[Perfusion imaging of the kidney using contrast-enhanced phase-inversion ultrasound].
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated different techniques of contrast-enhanced phase-inversion ultrasound to visualize renal perfusion.


METHODS
Levovist contrast-enhanced phase-inversion ultrasound with different levels of mechanical index and frame rate was performed in 20 kidneys. Analysis using a software algorithm for time-resolved perfusion imaging was compared to single-image analysis performed by three independent radiologists.


RESULTS
Optimal depiction of renal perfusion was achieved only by using a mechanical index which was high enough to destroy the microbubbles of the contrast agent (burst imaging) combined with a low frame rate (0.5 images/second). Renal cortex and medulla showed a homogeneous enhancement. Computer-assisted time-resolved perfusion analysis was applicable; it did not show additional Information to single-image analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Renal perfusion can be visualized using contrast-enhanced phase-inversion ultrasound. For depiction of bigger vessels, it is equal to B-mode ultrasound or Doppler mode techniques; however, it is superior for visualization of renal parenchymal perfusion.
Stoeckelhuber
Beate M
BM
Institut für Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck. stoeckel@medinf.mu-luebeck.de
Wiesmann
Martin
M
Kreft
Burkhard
B
Stoeckelhuber
Mechthild
M
Weiss
H Dieter
HD
Bergmann-Koester
Claudia U
CU
D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D045423:Microbubbles; D011134:Polysaccharides; D012016:Reference Values; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D014465:Ultrasonics; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508