Unique ultrasound contrast agent-coated needle biopsy technique in oncology patients.
Chandrashekhara S H, Sai Sangeetha P, Triveni G S
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A report describes use of an ultrasound contrast agent-coated needle biopsy technique in five oncology cases where routine ultrasound-guided biopsy posed targeting or visualization challenges. The cases involved soft-tissue tumors, bone metastasis, and post-treatment changes. Needle visualization was obscured by factors including rib shadows, fragmented bony fragments, and background fibrosis. The abstract presents the technique as an approach using microbubble contrast agents to enhance imaging, but does not report diagnostic outcomes or how the cases resolved.
What made this case unusual
The needle was coated with an ultrasound contrast agent to improve imaging in cases where shadows, bone fragments, or fibrosis obscured its visualization.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
When routine ultrasound guidance makes needle visualization difficult, contrast-agent coating is a reported technique for enhancing imaging during biopsy; the abstract does not establish its diagnostic performance.