ABSTRACT
Purpose To investigate the value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating blunt hepatic trauma and to provide experimental reference. Materials and Methods Fifteen healthy New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into groups A, B and C, with 5 rabbits in each group. Hepatic area of the rabbits in each group was stroked using a self-made mini striker with forces of 127.8 N, 213.0 N and 298.2 N, respectively, to establish rabbit models of blunt hepatic trauma. Gray-scale ultrasound (US) and CEUS were performed within 20 minutes before and after trauma. Results Hepatic capsular rupture was observed in 10 rabbits on US. Ill-defined hypoechoic areas in various degrees were observed. CEUS and time-signal intensity curve analysis showed that the normal hepatic tissue began to enhance after contrast agent injection, well-defined against non-enhanced hepatic lesions. The sensitivity of US and CEUS for blunt hepatic trauma were 66.7% (10/15) and 100.0% (15/15), respectively (P<0.05). The agreement with specimen was 40.0% (6/15) for US and 86.7% (13/15) for CEUS, respectively (P<0.05), with Kappa=0.815 for CEUS (P<0.001). Conclusion CEUS improves diagnostic accuracy of blunt hepatic trauma and accurately assesses the severity, which shows good agreement with gross specimen.