sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres + secretin

This diagnostic combination is used in secretin-enhanced ultrasound (SEUS) or secretin-stimulated ultrasonography (SSUS) for the evaluation of pancreatic anatomy and exocrine function. **Sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres** (marketed as Lumason or SonoVue) act as an ultrasound contrast agent; they consist of gas-filled microbubbles with a phospholipid shell that oscillate in an ultrasound field, significantly increasing the backscatter of ultrasound waves to enhance the visualization of tissue vascularity and ductal structures. **Secretin** is a synthetic gastrointestinal hormone that acts as a secretin receptor agonist, stimulating the pancreatic ductal cells to secrete water and bicarbonate. When administered together, secretin induces the filling and dilation of the pancreatic duct, while the sulfur hexafluoride microspheres provide the contrast necessary to clearly image the ductal morphology, diameter changes, and the flow of pancreatic secretions into the duodenum. This procedure is particularly useful in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic ductal obstruction, and evaluating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Brand names

SonoVue

Other names

sulfur hexafluoride + secretinSF6 microspheres + secretinsecretin-enhanced ultrasoundsecretin-stimulated ultrasound