Abstract
Objective: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CE-US) can be used for noninvasive analysis of functional vascularization. Lesions of the parotid gland are associated with different vascularity compared to the normal gland. The aim of the clinical trial was to evaluate CE-US as a diagnostic tool for parotid lesion.
Method: For CE-US measurements, following intravenous SonoVue injection, the intensity-time curve gradients were calculated from CE-US data.
Results: The intensity-time gradients derived from CE-US measurements revealed significantly higher perfusion in the malign lesions group than the benign lesions group. Area under curve was significantly higher for malign lesions.
Conclusion: CE-US–derived area under curve parameters appear as an independent and quantitative marker for the monitoring of parotid lesions. Clinical experience and further studies will have to validate this method as a reliable diagnostic tool to decide especially whether to proceed with surgery.
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