Preoperative sentinel lymph node identification, biopsy and localisation using contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CEUS is a promising technique for preoperative staging of the axilla. CEUS-guided core biopsy has the potential to identify nodal metastases in over half (54%) of patients with normal axillary B-mode ultrasound. CEUS-guided identification and localisation of the SLN may offer a viable alternative to standard lymphatic mapping using isotope and blue dye; however, further prospective studies with larger samples are warranted.