[Color doppler ultrasonography in peripheral artery occlusive disease: continuous application of a signal enhancer].
OBJECTIVE
The effect of continuous infusion of a signal enhancer on the diagnostic efficacy of Doppler ultrasound in peripheral artery disease was evaluated.


METHODS
35 patients with peripheral artery disease were investigated by Doppler ultrasound before and during infusion of a signal enhancer (Levovist). Femoral and popliteal arteries were examined. Angiographic diagnoses included occlusions (24) and stenoses (22). They were compared to plain and enhanced Doppler findings. Artefacts and effects on signal intensity were evaluated.


RESULTS
An increased Doppler signal was observed starting 1 min 35 s (mean) after begin of the infusion. It persisted for 11 min 46 s (mean). Signal enhanced studies provided less over- (0/1) and underestimation (3/5) of the findings and evaluation in the adductor channel was less compromised. Signal enhanced studies highlighted collaterals.


CONCLUSIONS
Doppler ultrasound in patients with peripheral arterial disease is improved by continuous application of a signal enhancer.
Hosten
N
N
Klinik für Strahlenheilkunde, Humboldt Universität, Berlin. hosten@charite.de
Puls
R
R
Sahimbas
O
O
Balzer
J
J
Urbank
A
A
Felix
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508
Farb-Doppler-Sonographie bei der peripheren arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit: Kontinuierliche Applikation eines Signalverstärkers.