2312: Evaluation of liver function by contrast enhanced coded phase inversion harmonic ultrasonography with levovist using parenchymal imaging of liver and spleen in the post vascular phase

Abstract

Objectives: With deteriorating liver function, Kupffer cell function also deteriorates. The Levovist used in contrast enhanced coded phase inversion harmonic ultrasonography (CE-US) is taken up by Kupffer cells in the post vascular phase, and comparison of uptake by phagocytic cells in the liver versus that in spleen may reflect the adequacy of Kupffer cell function. Therefore, we performed a pilot study to evaluate the liver function with respect to Kupffer function using CE-US. Thirty-four patients were enrolled in this study (15 patients with liver disease, 19 controlled patients without liver disease).