B-Mode and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography Aspects of Benign and Malignant Superficial Neoplasms in Dogs: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is considered a promising technique for differentiation of benign and malignant tumors in humans. However, few studies have assessed superficial neoplasms in dogs by means of CEUS. The aim of this study was to identify ultrasonographic criteria evaluated by B-mode ultrasound (US) and CEUS that may be used to distinguish benign and malignant superficial neoplasms in dogs. A total of 63 superficial neoplasms from 59 dogs were evaluated using B-mode US and CEUS prior to histopathologic examination. Qualitative and quantitative parameters were compared between benign and malignant neoplasms by Fischer’s exact test or fixed effects model. With B-mode US, a significant difference was found for border definition, echogenicity and echotexture. With CEUS, a significant difference was found for the enhancement pattern at wash-in and the wash-out area under the curve at the center of the neoplasm. Malignant neoplasms had on average a lower regional blood volume during the wash-out phase compared to benign neoplasms. Despite these significant differences, there was a considerable overlap in B-mode and CEUS parameters between benign and malignant neoplasms. In conclusion, B-mode US and CEUS might contribute to malignancy prediction; however, based on individual ultrasonographic parameters, they seem unable to replace cytology or histopathology.