New Diagnostic Technique of EUS Using Contrast-Enhanced Agents

The analysis of morphology obtained by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been the main aim of EUS diagnosis. On the other hand, various disorders have their own characteristic vascularities in the digestive organs. The combination of diagnosis with morphology and vascularities is thought to be important and useful. Needless to say, the core function of EUS is ultrasonography, and EUS should follow state-of-the-art technology of ultrasonography. In this chapter, we discuss EUS angiography, contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS) using the first contrast agent (Albunex), the next agent (Levovist), and the latest agent (Sonazoid).