[Contrast-enhanced power Doppler imaging of the liver--preliminary animal study].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate efficacy of contrast-enhanced power Doppler imaging of the liver.


METHODS
We administered two kinds of contrast agents, SHU-508 (Schering AG, Germany) and FS069 (MBI, USA), intravenously to woodchucks with hepatocellular carcinomas. Power Doppler imaging of the liver was performed. To obtain minute hemodynamic information of the liver, we tried continuous infusion of contrast agents and flash echo mode (intermittent scanning) on power Doppler imaging.


RESULTS
When we administered continuously contrast agents, the enhancement increased gradually and lasted until the end of the infusion. To compare with bolus injection, we were able to detect blood flow of the liver more clearly and easily without saturation artifacts. On power Doppler flash echo imaging of three or five seconds suspension, signals from only arterial flow were obtained. In comparison on seven seconds suspension imaging, signals from both arterial and portal flow were obtained. With flash echo mode, we could acquire the information of blood perfusion to depict the signals from eliminated microbubbles.


CONCLUSIONS
With continuous infusion and flash echo mode on contrast-enhanced power Doppler imaging, we could get more detailed information of blood flow and perfusion of the liver. This method is expected to be useful for the diagnosis of liver tumor in clinical settings.
Matsumura
T
T
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Kyoto University.
Moriyasu
F
F
Kono
Y
Y
Chiba
T
T
D000418:Albumins; D000818:Animals; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008114:Liver Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008392:Marmota; D008863:Microspheres; D011134:Polysaccharides; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods*
D000418:Albumins; D003287:Contrast Media; C099458:FS 069; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508