Kupffer phase echo level ratio in contrast-enhanced ultrasound for differentiating malignant liver tumors.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Kupffer phase contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using Sonazoid allows real-time assessment of Kupffer cell function, which is often disrupted in malignant liver tumors. While qualitative assessment is established, quantitative studies remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the echo level ratio (ELR) derived from the Kupffer phase for differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from non-HCC liver malignancies.

Methods

This retrospective study included 221 patients with pathologically confirmed malignant liver tumors who underwent CEUS between September 2023 and January 2025. CEUS was performed using Sonazoid with both vascular and Kupffer phase imaging. Time-intensity curve (TIC) analysis was used to derive vascular phase paramete

SUBMITTER: Zhang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12682520 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature