[Contrast agent enhanced duplex ultrasonography: visualization of the hepatic artery after orthotopic liver transplantation].
OBJECTIVE
A prospective study was carried out to determine whether an improved assessment of the anatomy and flow velocity in the hepatic artery could be achieved by the administration of a capillary transversing contrast agent (Levovist) in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation.


METHODS
In 21 (62%) of 34 patients after liver transplantation, only an insufficient visualisation of the hepatic artery was achieved. Therefore, a capillary transversing contrast agent was administered intravenously. Pre- and post-contrast peak velocity and Doppler frequency shift in the proper hepatic artery were measured and image quality of colour and spectral Doppler was assessed by a qualitative scale.


RESULTS
Image quality, with complete visualisation of hepatic artery in 79% (precontrast 38%) of all cases, was significantly improved (p < 0.01 (Wilcoxon test)) by the administration of a contrast agent.


CONCLUSIONS
Visualisation of the hepatic artery after orthotopic liver transplantation can be improved by the administration of Levovist. It allows a reliable measurement of peak velocity and Doppler frequency shift and helps to avoid further imaging.
Gutberlet
M
M
Strahlenklinik und Poliklinik, Virchow-Klinikum, Medizinische Fakultät der Humboldt-Universität Berlin.
Venz
S
S
Neuhaus
R
R
Ehrenstein
T
T
Lemke
A J
AJ
Vogl
T J
TJ
Hosten
N
N
Neuhaus
P
P
Felix
R
R
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006499:Hepatic Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011134:Polysaccharides; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex / Q000379:methods
D003287:Contrast Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508