Value of high frame rate contrast-enhanced ultrasound in distinguishing gallbladder adenoma from cholesterol polyp lesion

Objectives To compare the diagnostic value of high frame rate contrast-enhanced ultrasound (H-CEUS) in distinguishing gallbladder adenomas from cholesterol polyp lesions with that of CEUS. Methods This study enrolled 94 patients with gallbladder polyp lesions (GPLs) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CEUS and H-CEUS were performed before surgery. The perfusion features of GPLs and the final diagnosis as determined by both technologies were compared. Results There were differences in vascular types between gallbladder adenomas and cholesterol polyp lesions observed on H-CEUS ( p < 0.05), while there were no differences in vascular types between gallbladder adenomas and cholesterol polyp lesions observed on CEUS ( p > 0.05). In the cholesterol polyp lesion group, there were no differences in vascular types between CEUS and H-CEUS ( p > 0.05), while the vascular types were different between CEUS and H-CEUS in the gallbladder adenoma group ( p < 0.05). The diagnostic value of H-CEUS in distinguishing gallbladder adenomas from cholesterol polyp lesions was better than that of CEUS. Conclusions H-CEUS improved the time resolution by increasing the frame rate, which helped to accurately reflect the difference in the microcirculation of GPLs and improved the ability of a differential diagnosis between cholesterol polyp lesions and adenomas. H-CUES may provide an effective means of imaging for patients with GPLs regarding the choice of treatment options. Key Points • High frame rate CEUS improves the time resolution of CEUS by increasing the frame rate. • High frame rate CEUS is helpful to accurately evaluate the microvascular morphology of a gallbladder polyp lesion in the arterial phase. • High frame rate CEUS helps patients with gallbladder polyp lesions to choose the appropriate treatment means.