Image Fusion Involving Real-Time Transabdominal or Endoscopic Ultrasound for Gastrointestinal Malignancies: Review of Current and Future Applications

Authors

Ben S Singh
Irina M Cazacu
Carlos A Deza
Bastien S Rigaud
Adrian Saftoiu
Gabriel Gruionu
Lucian Guionu
Kristy K Brock
Eugene J Koay
Joseph M Herman
Manoop S Bhutani

Publication Date

12-19-2022

Journal

Diagnostics

Abstract

Image fusion of CT, MRI, and PET with endoscopic ultrasound and transabdominal ultrasound can be promising for GI malignancies as it has the potential to allow for a more precise lesion characterization with higher accuracy in tumor detection, staging, and interventional/image guidance. We conducted a literature review to identify the current possibilities of real-time image fusion involving US with a focus on clinical applications in the management of GI malignancies. Liver applications have been the most extensively investigated, either in experimental or commercially available systems. Real-time US fusion imaging of the liver is gaining more acceptance as it enables further diagnosis and interventional therapy of focal liver lesions that are difficult to visualize using conventional B-mode ultrasound. Clinical studies on EUS guided image fusion, to date, are limited. EUS-CT image fusion allowed for easier navigation and profiling of the target tumor and/or surrounding anatomical structure. Image fusion techniques encompassing multiple imaging modalities appear to be feasible and have been observed to increase visualization accuracy during interventional and diagnostic applications.

Keywords

image fusion, transabdominal ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, GI malignancies

DOI

10.3390/diagnostics12123218

PMID

36553225

PMCID

PMC9777678

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

12-19-2022

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes