New imaging technique detects prostate cancer not shown by MRI
Contrast-enhanced subharmonic imaging (SHI)—a new technique for imaging of microbubble ultrasound contrast agents—detected prostate cancers not identified by traditional MRI, according to a recent study set to be presented at the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) 2018 Annual Meeting.
According to an ARRS press release, the study consisted of 28 patients, in whom, contrast enhancement was “clearly” observed with color and power Doppler imaging, as well as with both harmonic imaging and SHI techniques in all participants.
Results of the first in vivo application of the SHI technique showed contrast enhancement in the prostates of all 28 patients. Focal areas of enhancement correlated to sites of cancer in 18 percent of targeted biopsies, and in five patients whose cancer wasn’t pictured by MRI.
“The results indicate that SHI provides improved conspicuity of microbubble contrast enhancement and may improve the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for detection of prostate cancer,” according to the release.
The ARRS 2018 Annual Meeting takes place April 22 to 27 in Washington, D.C.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.