Recent Progress in Abdominal Ultrasound

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 427

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Interventional, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ultrasound Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant’Orsola Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
Interests: ultrasound; lung; elastography; CEUS; thrombosis; haemostasis
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Guest Editor
Movement Sciences and Wellbeing Department, University of Naples “Parthenope”, via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
Interests: ultrasound; abdominal ultrasound; neck ultrasound; dermatologic ultrasound; musculoskeletal sonography; vascular sonography; breast sonography

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Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy.
Interests: ultrasound; abdominal ultrasound; CEUS

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Abdominal ultrasound is a fundamental diagnostic tool in clinical practice, due to its availability, safety, and overall accuracy. This Special Issue will delve into the most recent technological and methodological innovations in abdominal ultrasound imaging, offering readers a comprehensive overview of advanced techniques, specific clinical indications, and solutions to emerging challenges. Among the various topics, it will cover the use of high-resolution probes, the integration of elastography for assessing liver fibrosis, and the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for identifying complex lesions. Strategies for training and professional development will also be examined to improve ultrasound performance and result interpretation.

Particular attention is given to the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing diagnostic precision and facilitating the early detection of abdominal pathologies.

Dr. Andrea Boccatonda
Dr. Antonio Corvino
Dr. Giulio Cocco
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ultrasound
  • abdomen
  • CEUS
  • doppler
  • bowel

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

33 pages, 5043 KB  
Review
Ultrasound Evaluation of Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review
by Federica Di Natale, Andrea Boccatonda, Marco Musmeci, Alice Brighenti, Luciano Potena, Christoph Frank Dietrich and Carla Serra
Diagnostics 2025, 15(24), 3171; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15243171 - 12 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is a progressive condition resulting from chronic hepatic venous congestion following the Fontan procedure for univentricular heart defects. As survival improves in these patients, recognition and management of FALD have become increasingly important. Objective: To describe [...] Read more.
Background: Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is a progressive condition resulting from chronic hepatic venous congestion following the Fontan procedure for univentricular heart defects. As survival improves in these patients, recognition and management of FALD have become increasingly important. Objective: To describe the pathophysiological mechanisms, imaging findings, and diagnostic approach to FALD, with a focus on the role of ultrasonography, including contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods: This narrative review explores the evolution of FALD through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating cardiovascular and hepatic imaging data. Particular attention is paid to Doppler ultrasound and CEUS, both in early parenchymal changes and in the differential diagnosis of potential complications such as hepatic nodules. Results: FALD is characterized by progressive fibrosis due to long-standing passive congestion, resulting in a wide spectrum of imaging findings. B-mode ultrasound reveals hepatomegaly, heterogeneous parenchyma, and gallbladder wall thickening. Doppler studies show altered hepatic venous flow patterns, while CEUS provides dynamic vascular evaluation, highlighting areas of altered perfusion. In advanced stages, hypo-vascular areas in the late phase may simulate malignant lesions, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation. The role of liver biopsy, though limited by invasiveness, remains crucial in selected cases. Surveillance strategies are not standardized but require close multidisciplinary follow-up. Conclusions: FALD presents complex diagnostic challenges requiring integrated imaging and clinical assessment. CEUS emerges as a valuable, non-invasive tool in characterizing hepatic congestion and guiding management. Increased awareness and standardized protocols are essential for early detection and tailored care in this growing patient population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Abdominal Ultrasound)
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