Contrast-assisted ultrasound for sentinel lymph node detection in spontaneously arising canine head and neck tumors.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate a minimally invasive contrast-assisted ultrasound (US) technique for sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization.


METHODS
Microbubble contrast medium was injected into peritumoral tissues in 10 dogs with spontaneous head or neck tumors. Regional lymph nodes (LNs) were imaged up to 20 minutes after contrast administration using power Doppler US. Comparative lymphoscintigraphy studies were performed in all dogs by peritumoral injection of 99mTc-sulfur colloid administered around the primary lesion.


RESULTS
US contrast enhancement of SLN revealed sentinel nodes and associated lymphatics in 8 of 10 dogs. In each instance in which contrast-enhanced LN was identified with US, a corresponding SLN was detected by lymphoscintigraphy. Multiple SLNs were present in 2 dogs. Regional lymph nodes were positive for metastasis in 1 dog and reactive in 9 dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrast-assisted US is effective in localizing SLN. This technique could reduce or eliminate many of the limitations of current SLN detection procedures.
Lurie
David M
DM
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA.
Seguin
Bernard
B
Schneider
Philip D
PD
Verstraete
Frank J
FJ
Wisner
Erik R
ER
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D045423:Microbubbles; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D014463:Ultrasonography
D003287:Contrast Media