EVALUATION OF THE BENEFIT OF COLOR-CODED DUPLEX ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR INTERSTITIAL LASER THERAPY OF HEMANGIOMAS

The diagnosis of hemangiomas and vascular malformations prior to inter stitial laser therapy is principally based on clinical and B-mode ultr asonographic examination. Color-coded duplex ultrasonography provides additional information about the vascularization of these tumors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefit of this information for t he diagnosis and treatment of hemangiomas. Patients and methods: We ex amined 30 patients suffering from hemangiomas of various sizes and loc ations. A preliminary treatment plan was developed on the basis of B-m ode ultrasonographic examination. This preliminary plan was either ver ified or changed after obtaining color-coded duplex ultrasonographic s tudies. Results: In comparison to B-mode ultrasonography, color-coded duplex ultrasonography allows clinically relevant classification of he mangiomas on the basis of their vascularization (no flow, palpation-in duced flow, predominantly venous flow, predominantly arterial flow). I n 53% of the cases, the preliminary therapeutic plan was modified part ially or wholly on the basis of this additional information (new diagn osis, change in the planned surgical approach, and favoring other init ial diagnostic and therapeutic options over laser therapy). Conclusion : Color-coded duplex ultrasonography provides important additional inf ormation compared to B-mode ultrasonography and decisively influences hemangioma therapy. This imaging technique should be recommended for r outine preoperative application in hemangiomas.