LAUSR

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a real-time, feasible technique. Both intraoperatively and bedside, it satisfies the need for serial assessment and easy performability. Initially employed in neuro-oncology, it has recently overcome this first application. We aimed to evaluate the literature and give a comprehensive view of its use in the fields listed below. A systematic review of all pertinent literature was performed via PubMed access according PRISMA P guidelines. Studies not involving human adults and not reporting original data were excluded. Cross-check of references of selected articles was performed to complete bibliographical research. 67 articles were then grouped by field of application: Oncology (26 articles) further subdivided in a) cranial tumors (23 articles) and b) spinal tumors (3 articles); Vascular (31 articles), divided in three sections: a) aneurysms, AVMs and AVFs surgery (6 articles), b) cerebral perfusion assessment and acute stroke patients management (15 articles), c) carotid plaques treatment (10 articles); TBI (2 articles); Pediatrics (4 articles); Peripheral nerve surgery (2 articles) and others (2 articles). CEUS versatility across the aforementioned areas was analyzed, underlining its complementarity to other well-settled imaging techniques. This review is focused on reporting CEUS advantages and disadvantages, suggesting a further broadening of the already numerous applications.