Bibliographic review about the usefulness of ultrasound contrast media in the study of renal masses.

OBJECTIVES: The microbubbles enhanced ultrasound contrast is a novel technique that informs us in real time of renal perfusion and microcirculation.
METHOD: We reviewed the literature about its use in the study of renal masses in order to show their actual clinical performance in this condition. RESULT: This technique is useful in the differential diagnosis of pseudotumors, characterization and monitoring of small renal masses, the study of complex renal cysts and controlling the progression of renal masses that underwent ablative treatments. Like any diagnostic technique has some limitations on usage;its rapid contrast wash, being operator-dependent, require some experience and need special software to be correctly interpreted.
CONCLUSIONS: The microbubbles enhanced ultrasound contrast is a useful and economic technique for the study and differential diagnosis of the renal masses.