Acoustic densitometric analysis of phases in normal rabbit liver contrast enhancement using intravenous second harmonic imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate phases in normal rabbit liver contrast enhancement with the acoustic densitometry(AD).Methods Ten cases of normal rabbit were examined with second harmonic imaging(SHI).The AD curves and data of parenchyma were compared before and after the portal blood flow was blocked,when the contrast agents were administrated through ear veins.The AD curves and data of parenchyma were also investigated when the contrast agents were injected via ear veins and mesenteric veins.Results The curves of normal rabbit liver parenchyma were single-peak-shaped,looking like "a verticle triangle",when the contrast agent was administrated through ear veins.The curve was divided into 3 sections ascending,summit,descending,with the value of peak intensity ( 18.4 ? 1.7 )dB.Ascending section indicated the arterial phase,and summit and descending sections the portal phase.The AD curves were quite similar before and after the portal blood flow was blocked,only with the peak value slightly decreased,and the values of peak intensity decreasing by 2 dB.Two peaks were seen in the "Hump-like" AD curves in the parenchyma,with the second peak higher than the first,as the contrast agents were administrated through mesenteric veins again 10-15 seconds after administration via ear veins.Conclusions The arterial phase is short and portal phase is long in normal rabbit liver contrast sonography.The enhancement of parenchyma is caused mostly by contrast from hepatic artery,and the contrast from portal veins only plays a minor role.