Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the small organs in children

Pediatr Radiol. 2021 Nov;51(12):2324-2339. doi: 10.1007/s00247-021-05006-x. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Abstract

In pediatric and adult populations, intravenous contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) remains off-label for imaging of organs other than the liver and heart. This limited scope inhibits potential benefits of the new modality from a more widespread utilization. Yet, CEUS is potentially useful for imaging small organs such as the thyroid gland, lymph nodes, testes, ovaries and uterus, with all having locations and vasculature favorable for this type of examination. In the adult population, the utility of CEUS has been demonstrated in a growing number of studies for the evaluation of these small organs. The aim of this article is to present a review of pediatric CEUS of the thyroid gland, lymph nodes, testes, ovaries and uterus as well as to draw from the adult literature indications for possible applications in children.

Keywords: Children; Contrast-enhanced ultrasound; Lymph nodes; Ovary; Testis; Thyroid; Ultrasound; Ultrasound contrast agents; Uterus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Contrast Media*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Gland* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Contrast Media