Using contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound to evaluate pancreatic lesions

The Role of Contrast Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound for Evaluation of Pancreas Lesions

Phase 1 Interventional Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NCT04324294

This study is testing if a special type of ultrasound with contrast dye can better identify pancreatic tumors and cysts in patients than regular ultrasound.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCedars-Sinai Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT04324294 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess whether quantitative contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound (CE-EUS) can improve the evaluation of pancreatic tumors and precursor lesions, such as cysts, compared to conventional endoscopic ultrasound. It is a prospective trial where patients undergoing standard endoscopic ultrasound for pancreatic indications will receive an intravenous contrast agent during the procedure. The study will involve collecting time intensity curves from the EUS processor to analyze the effectiveness of CE-EUS. Participants will be followed for 12 months after the procedure to evaluate outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound for unexplained pancreatitis, pancreatic masses, or cystic lesions.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, pregnant or lactating women, and those with unstable cardiopulmonary conditions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the ability to differentiate between various pancreatic lesions, potentially improving patient management and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with contrast-enhanced ultrasound techniques, but this specific application in pancreatic lesions is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound for pancreatic indications
* Patients must have unexplained pancreatitis, pancreas mass(es), or pancreatic cystic lesions or worrisome clinical, imaging or laboratory findings

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients \<18 years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers will be excluded.
* Subjects with unstable cardiopulmonary condition will be excluded (acute myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndromes, worsening or unstable heart failure, or serious ventricular arrhythmias)
* Patients with known or suspected right-to-left, bi-directional, or transient right-to-left cardiac shunts will be excluded given theoretical (though clinically insignificant) risk of embolization
* Patients with a history of allergy to Lumason will be excluded

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PancreatitisPancreas CancerPancreas Cyst
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.