Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to better understand unclear liver lesions
The Role of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasond (Ceus), in the Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions Indeterminate to Second-level Methods
This study is testing if a special type of ultrasound can help doctors better understand unclear liver spots that other scans couldn't clearly identify.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna) |
| Trial ID | NCT06876805 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in accurately characterizing focal liver lesions that have been inconclusive through CT, MRI, or PET scans. It will involve both retrospective and prospective data collection, with a follow-up period of six months to assess outcomes based on the gold standard reference. The study will include patients who have undergone CEUS within the last six months and will analyze the results to determine whether the lesions are benign or malignant.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have had inconclusive imaging results for liver lesions and have undergone CEUS in the last six months.
Not a fit: Patients who cannot undergo ultrasound evaluation due to technical limitations or have allergies to the ultrasound contrast medium may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve diagnostic accuracy for patients with uncertain liver lesions, leading to better treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using CEUS for liver lesion characterization, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 years. * CEUS performed performed in the last 6 months a CT, MRI and/or PET not decisive in characterizing a liver lesion. * Obtaining informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Technical impossibility to perform the ultrasound evaluation. * Documented allergy to the ultrasound contrast medium.
Where this trial is running
Bologna
- Policlinico Sant'Orsola Malpighi — Bologna, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carla Serra, PhD — IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
- Study coordinator: Carla Serra, PhD
- Email: carla.serra@aosp.bo.it
- Phone: +390512143270
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.