Contrast-enhanced dynamic ultrasonography of the liver: optimization of hepatic arterial phase in normal volunteers.
BACKGROUND
To optimize hepatic arterial phase timing in contrast-enhanced dynamic ultrasonography (US) of the liver.


METHODS
Dynamic US was performed by using a microbubble-specific mode in 22 healthy volunteers after bolus injection of SH U 508A. Images were analyzed to determine whether hepatic arterial and portal venous phases could be temporally discriminated. Delay times to contrast enhancement at the hepatic artery (A(ini)) and portal vein (P(ini)) and the delay time until the signals between both vessels became inseparable (A(end)) were determined.


RESULTS
The hepatic arterial and portal venous phases could be temporally discriminated in all subjects. A(ini), P(ini), and A(end) (mean +/- standard deviation) were 11.0 +/- 2.0, 14.8 +/- 3.6, and 22.6 +/- 5.1 s, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
In hepatic contrast-enhanced dynamic US, hepatic arterial phase scanning should be commenced earlier than 11 s and terminated after 23 s postinjection.
Lee
K H
KH
Department of Radiology and the Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 28, Yongon-dong, Chongno-gu Seoul 110-744, Korea.
Choi
B I
BI
Kim
K W
KW
Kim
J S
JS
Won
H J
HJ
Han
J K
JK
Kim
S H
SH
Park
S H
SH
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011134:Polysaccharides; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508