[Preliminary Application of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Treatment of Diabetic Ulcers].

Objective: To investigate the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the treatment of diabetic ulcers. Methods: The clinical data of 27 diabetic patients, who underwent CEUS examination of their ulcers in our hospital between April 2021 and July 2022 were collected. Among them, 26 patients suffered from diabetic foot ulcers, 5 of whom underwent amputation during hospitalization, and one patient suffered from hip ulcer. The 27 patients' mean age was (64.08±12.57) years. Fasting blood glucose levels of the patients were 3.36-34.61 mmol/L, with a mean of (10.62±8.77) mmol/L. Their glycosylated hemoglobin levels were 5.80%-10.70%, with an average of 7.96%±1.50%. Philips EPIQ7 ultrasound system with L9-3 linear probe of 3-9 MHz was used. First, the patients' ulcers were examined with conventional ultrasound to observe for abnormal echo. Then, 2.4 mL SonoVue (Bracco, Italy), a contrast agent, was injected intravenously through the elbow to look for effusion/pus, sinus tract, or dead space in the lesion area, and images were acquired. Results: Among the 27 patients, except for 5 with amputation stumps, 22 patients had wound areas ranging from 0.16 cm Conclusion: By examining microvascular perfusion in diabetic wounds with CEUS, we can observe the extent of sinus tracts during treatment and whether the sinus tracts have healed or whether there are still dead spaces before patient discharge, which provides support for clinical decision-making concerning the treatment of diabetic ulcers.