Doppler sonographic evaluation of the portal vein: effects of intravenous dodecafluoropentane.
The aim of this study was to determine if the intravascular contrast agent dodecafluoropentane (Phase III Clinical Trial) produces enhancement and facilitates visualization of portal vein and collateral blood flow. Twenty patients with advanced liver disease or an orthotopic liver transplant underwent gray scale, duplex, and color Doppler sonography. Sonograms were obtained prior to and after the randomized administration of a placebo and dodecafluoropentane in a double-blind fashion. Blinded readers independently reviewed all videotapes. Separate comparisons were made between the baseline study and placebo or dodecafluoropentane study for portal vein enhancement, increase in portal vein length or branching, and patency of the portal vein and collaterals. Flow enhancement was seen with dodecafluoropentane in 17 of 20 (85%) cases and with saline solution in zero cases. Improved visualization of the portal vein or collateral length or branching was observed with dodecafluoropentane in 11 of 20 (55%) cases and with saline solution in zero cases. Portal vein or collateral flow was not detected in six baseline studies. In two of six (33%) cases, flow was detected with dodecafluoropentane. Our results show that dodecafluoropentane is capable of enhancing portal vein and collateral flow, can improve visualization of portal vein length and its branches, and may be useful in cases in which portal vein flow cannot be demonstrated by noncontrast sonography.
Teefey
S A
SA
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
Middleton
W D
WD
Crowe
T M
TM
Peters
M G
MG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D010420:Pentanes
D003287:Contrast Media; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C008806:perfluoropentane; D010420:Pentanes