Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in canine liver examination

Ultrasonography is a noninvasive diagnostic tool used to image size, shape, parenchyma and vascularization of various body organs. Unfortunately, the ultrasonographic image is characterized by a low contrast due to similar acoustic properties of the soft tissue. The Doppler mode provides information about blood flow, but is incapable of imaging small vessels and capillaries because of their low blood flow velocity (1 mm/s). However, a possibility to increase the effectiveness of ultrasonographic diagnostics exists, thanks to intravenous ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) consisted of gas microbubbles. The purpose of this review paper is to characterize specific imaging techniques necessary to conduct a contrast-enhanced liver examination and indications for CEUS as an alternative diagnostic method.