Detection of experimental rat liver tumors by contrast-assisted ultrasonography.
OBJECTIVE
The authors characterized the effect of intravenous lipid-coated microbubbles (LCMs) on the echogenicity of malignant liver tumors.


METHODS
Novikoff hepatoma cells were inoculated into the livers of 16 anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Sonograms were obtained weekly after tail-vein injection with either 0.2 mL/kg LCMs or saline control.


RESULTS
A statistically significant difference in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was observed between the group that received LCMs (10 rats) and the group that received saline (6 rats) (P < .01). The effect persisted for 30 minutes after contrast injection. Selective leakage and accumulation of LCMs into the tumor tissue itself was confirmed histologically using lipid-specific counterstains.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravenous injection of the LCM contrast agent produces a rapid increase in the echogenicity of the experimental Novikoff tumor in the rat liver.
D'Arrigo
J S
JS
CAV-CON, Inc., Farmington, CT 06032.
Ho
S Y
SY
Simon
R H
RH
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D008055:Lipids; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D008055:Lipids