Gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) represent a rare and varied class of neoplasms, characterized by diverse clinical presentations and prognostic trajectories. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is vital to inform and optimize therapeutic decisions. Ultrasound, including standard B-mode imaging and advanced methods such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), serves as a key component in the diagnostic evaluation of these tumors. B-mode US and CEUS provide non-invasive, accessible methods for early detection and characterization. On B-mode imaging, GEP-NETs typically present as well-defined, hyperechoic, or iso-echoic lesions, while CEUS highlights their characteristic vascularity, marked by arterial-phase hyperenhancement and venous-phase washout. Compared to CT and MRI, ultrasound offers real-time, dynamic imaging without ionizing radiation or nephrotoxic contrast agents, making it particularly advantageous for patients requiring frequent monitoring or with contraindications to other imaging modalities. CT and MRI are widely regarded as the preferred methods for staging and surgical planning due to their detailed anatomical visualization. However, ultrasound, especially CEUS, provides a significant adjunctive role in both early detection and the follow-up on GEP-NETs. This analysis delves into the strengths, challenges, and innovations in ultrasound technology for diagnosing pancreatic NETs, focusing on its contribution to comprehensive imaging strategies and its impact on patient care decisions.
胃肠胰神经内分泌肿瘤（GEP-NETs）是一类罕见且异质性强的肿瘤，其临床表现和预后轨迹多样。准确及时的诊断对于指导并优化治疗决策至关重要。超声检查，包括标准B型超声成像以及超声造影（CEUS）和内镜超声（EUS）等先进技术，是这些肿瘤诊断评估的关键组成部分。B型超声和超声造影为早期发现和定性提供了无创、便捷的方法。在B型超声成像中，GEP-NETs通常表现为边界清晰、高回声或等回声的病灶，而超声造影则能突出其特有的血管模式，表现为动脉期高增强和静脉期廓清。与CT和MRI相比，超声可提供实时动态成像，且无电离辐射或肾毒性造影剂，对于需要频繁监测或存在其他影像学检查禁忌的患者尤其具有优势。CT和MRI因其详细的解剖结构可视化能力，被广泛认为是分期和手术规划的首选方法。然而，超声，特别是超声造影，在GEP-NETs的早期发现和随访中发挥着重要的辅助作用。本文深入探讨了超声技术在诊断胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤方面的优势、挑战与创新，重点关注其在综合影像学策略中的贡献及其对患者诊疗决策的影响。
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家