Contrast-enhanced color Doppler sonography of uveal melanomas.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the use of the galactose microbubble-based contrast agent Levovist in color Doppler sonography of uveal melanomas. We also evaluated the use of the resistance index and pulsatility index in differentiating tumor-associated vessels from normal vessels in patients with uveal melanomas.


METHODS
In this prospective study, 40 patients with uveal melanoma were examined with color Doppler sonography before and after the administration of the contrast agent Levovist. The Doppler signals were recorded from both the tumor and the orbit and were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively.


RESULTS
Tumor-associated vessels were detected without contrast enhancement in 36 of 40 patients and with contrast enhancement in 38 of 40 patients. The spectral characteristics of the Doppler signals did not change after the injection of Levovist. There were no differences-qualitative or quantitative-in Doppler signals between normal and tumor-associated vessels.


CONCLUSIONS
The injection of Levovist slightly improved the detection of small vessels in uveal melanomas and the orbit but did not help to differentiate between normal vessels and tumoral vessels. The differentiation of a solid tumor from subretinal hemorrhage or effusion was improved.
Lemke
A J
AJ
Universitätsklinikum Charité, Medizinische Fakultät der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Strahlenklinik und Poliklinik, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Hosten
N
N
Richter
M
M
Bechrakis
N E
NE
Foerster
P
P
Puls
R
R
Gutberlet
M
M
Felix
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D003287:Contrast Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508