Qualitative and Quantitative Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Pancreas Using Bolus Injection and Continuous Infusion Methods in Normal Dogs

• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.13-0199
• Publication Date: 2013-08-12T23:03:13Z
• Authors: Sue Yee LIM; Kensuke NAKAMURA; Keitaro MORISHITA; Noboru SASAKI; Masahiro MURAKAMI; Tatsuyuki OSUGA; Hiroshi OHTA; Masahiro YAMASAKI; Mitsuyoshi TAKIGUCHI
• Keywords: Time Factors; Iron; Contrast Media; Oxides; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; Ferric Compounds; Injections; 3. Good health; 0403 veterinary science; Dogs; Internal Medicine; Animals; Infusions, Intravenous; Pancreas; Ultrasonography

Quantitative contrast enhanced ultrasound is a major breakthrough for ultrasound imaging in recent years. However, contrast enhancement of the pancreas is brief with bolus injection. To assess if continuous infusion of Sonazoid(®) can prolong the duration of pancreatic enhancement over bolus injections, eight adult dogs received bolus injection and continuous infusion of Sonazoid(®) on separate days. Contrast enhanced ultrasound of the pancreatic parenchyma and proximal descending duodenum was performed, and time intensity curves reflecting tissue perfusions were generated. Perfusion parameters- time to initial upslope, peak time, time to wash-out and peak intensity were calculated and evaluated. Fast wash-in to intense peak, followed by rapid wash-out was observed for time intensity curves of bolus injection. With continuous infusion, contrast wash-in to peak intensity was gradual, followed by long plateau and slow wash-out. Median contrast enhancement durations of the pancreas and duodenum were significantly prolonged by continuous infusion from 11 sec (range, 10 to 23 sec) and 16 sec (range, 3 to 43 sec) at bolus injection to 205 sec (range, 170 to 264 sec, P<0.01) and 193 sec (range, 169 to 216 sec, P<0.05), respectively. Median peak intensity of the pancreas was 100.9 MPV (range, 80.2 to 124.3 MPV) at bolus injection and 77.6 MPV (range, 58.2 to 99.5 MPV, P<0.05) at continuous infusion. Prolonged continuous imaging is afforded by continuous infusion of contrast agent. Peak intensity of the pancreas was slightly diminished in continuous infusion, but offered adequate imaging subjectively.