Comparison of the efficacy of two air-based contrast agents in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of the in vivo efficacies of Levovist(SH U 508 A) and Albunex, air-based contrast agents (CAs) with different shell materials, by direct comparison.


METHODS
SH U 508 A, 300 mg/ml, and Albunex were injected intravenously at doses of 0.1 and 0.15 ml/kg, respectively, into the same dogs (n=6). Contrast enhancement in the left ventricle was evaluated visually and by off-line measurement of brightness.


RESULTS
Both CAs yielded good peak contrast, while the duration of contrast enhancement with SH U 508 A was seven times that with Albunex. With Albunex, reduction of contrast enhancement at end-systole and in the late phase of diastole during one heartbeat was observed, and a positive correlation was observed between contrast enhancement and heart rate. Contrast enhancement was nearly constant during one heartbeat with SH U 508 A.


CONCLUSIONS
SH U 508 A yielded consistent and longer contrast enhancement in the left ventricle than Albunex under the same conditions.
Uchimoto
R
R
Basic Research Institute, Nihon Schering K.K., 2-6-64 Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, Japan. ruchimoto2schering.co.jp
Niwa
K
K
Tsuda
N
N
Miyazawa
T
T
Bräutigam
M
M
D000388:Air; D000418:Albumins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004285:Dogs; D004452:Echocardiography; D006339:Heart Rate; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008863:Microspheres; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000418:Albumins; C060687:Albunex; D003287:Contrast Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508