Objective:

To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the application of anterior mediastinal neuroendocrine tumor (NET) puncture biopsy.

Methods:

CEUS was performed in 157 patients with anterior mediastinal mass and ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy was performed in selected enhanced areas. A total of 13 patients with pathology of NET (2 carcinoid tumors

5 atypical carcinoid tumors

and 6 small cell NETs) were selected.

Results:

The masses were all located in the anterosuperior mediastinum

with a mean diameter of (82.229.8) mm and a mean puncture of (2.080.49) strips. The lesions were hypoechoic in 11 cases

hyperechoic in 1 case

and moderately echogenic in 1 case; contained cystic components in 3 cases; contained calcification in 3 cases; all were in close proximity to the large mediastinal vessels. The CEUS showed overall enhancement in 9 cases

centripetal enhancement in 4 cases

and inhomogeneity at the peak in 6 cases. In contrast to conventional ultrasound (3/13

23.1%)

CEUS showed the presence of necrosis in 7 cases (53.8%). CEUS identified trophoblastic vessels in 4 cases (30.8%) of lesions and color Doppler ultrasound in 1 case (7.7%). And 2 patients had mild chest pain and the rest had no complications.

Conclusion:

CEUS is of great value in the initial diagnosis and guided puncture of NET. It is more accurate than conventional ultrasound in grasping the puncture zone and avoidance of trophoblastic vessels

significantly improving safety

and isan important tool for imaging evaluation and biopsy guidance.