Prospective evaluation of 4-D contrast-enhanced-ultrasound (CEUS) imaging in bladder tumors

PURPOSE The evaluation of the potential clinical benefit of four-dimensional ultrasound (4D-US) in the assessment of bladder cancer (BC). MATERIAL AND METHODS 20 patients with indication for cystoscopy for suspicion of bladder cancer were prospectively included in this study. All patients underwent two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US), contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and real-time four-dimensional ultrasound (4D-US). All acquisitions were compared to each other in regard to image quality. This assessment was done using a 6 point scale (1 = best). All patients underwent subsequently cystoscopy with resection of the tumor (TURB), due a histopathological analysis was possible. RESULTS All examinations were performed successfully and no patient had to be excluded from the study. Patients acceptance of 4D-US was consistently good. No adverse events occurred. Image quality of real time 4D-US (score: 1.27±0.46) was significantly superior (p