Patients with liver diseases will benefit from expanded access to CEUS, facilitating timely referrals for transplantation when necessary.

A new policy now permits the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for assessing liver diseases and determining transplant eligibility, marking a significant step forward in patient access to advanced imaging.

This policy aims to improve the evaluation of liver health, especially in patients with liver cancer, by leveraging ongoing advancements in ultrasound technology.

The inclusion of CEUS reflects its growing role in hepatology and the broader trend of adopting innovative, non-invasive diagnostic tools.

The International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) supports integrating CEUS into the guidelines established by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) for evaluating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Dr. Andrej Lyshchik, a board member of ICUS, emphasized the importance of officially including CEUS in medical imaging options for liver disease assessments.

US FDA-approved contrast agents like Definity, Lumason, and Optison enhance CEUS capabilities, making it a more effective diagnostic tool.

CEUS is a cost-effective, safe imaging modality that avoids ionizing radiation and can be comparable or superior to CT and MRI in certain scenarios.

The widespread availability of ultrasound systems worldwide allows for real-time diagnostics, streamlining workflows and reducing delays in diagnosis.

This policy removes significant barriers for clinicians, including transplant hepatologists like Dr. Yuko Kono, especially when patient lives are at stake.

CEUS offers a non-invasive method for evaluating liver conditions, which can lead to better treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.

The new OPTN guideline is seen as a critical modernization effort that promotes consistency and enhances communication among healthcare professionals involved in liver disease management.