Comparison of ultrasonographic (SonoVue) and radiographic (Imeron) contrast agents for intralesional application in the head and neck area: An in vitro study

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the suitability and optimal concentration of an ultrasonic contrast agent (SonoVue) for intralesional application during contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Methods: An in vitro model simulating an existing lesion in the anatomical environment of the mandibular ascending ramus was developed. After intralesional application, different SonoVue dilutions were compared with dilutions of an iodine-containing radiographic contrast agent (Imeron300) during cone-beam computed tomography. Conclusions: SonoVue provided a significant contrast effect for distinguishing the lesion from the surrounding soft tissue at dilutions of 1/10 and 1/20. Imeron300 showed a slightly superior contrast effect, even at dilutions of 1/50 and 1/100. However, CEUS using SonoVue in low dilutions seemed suitable for intralesional application in vitro. Further in vivo studies are required to validate the current results and determine the optimal contrast-agent concentration.