Comparative study on quantitative parameters of blood perfusion and microvessel density in placenta of rat model of preeclampsia evaluted with contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Abstract

Objective To investigate the correlation between quantitative parameters with contrastenhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and microvessel density (MVD).Methods Thirty-four placenta of rat model of preeclampsia underwent CEUS examination.The peak intensity time curves on the enhanced images were analyzed quantitatively with computer to get quantitative parameters[the time to peak(TTP), maximal peak intensity(Imax), the area under curve(AUC) and the mean perfusion volume(V)].These parameters were compared with MVD counted with immunohistochemistry and the correlation was statistically studied.Results The TTP in the enhanced images was (14.55 ± 3.45)s, Imax was (20.83 ± 6.15) dB, AUC was (1868.61 ± 25.76)dB, V was (58.01 ± 23.56)dB, and the MVD of placenta of rat model of preeclampsia was (88.98 ± 24.78) in 34 rats.The Imax was correlated positively to MVD (r = 0.885, P = 0.000) ,AUC was correlated positively to MVD (r = 0.677, P = 0.001), V was correlated positively to MVD (r =0.877, P = 0.000).There was no correlation between TTP and MVD in lesions.Conclusions The Imax,AUC and V calculated with CEUS were correlated to MVD, these parameters were valuable index for quantitative evaluation of placental blood perfusion. Key words: Ultrasonography; Microbubbles; Hypertension, pregnancy-induced; Placenta; Hemodynamic phenomena