Abstract
Purpose: Microbubbles have been used intravascularly to enhance ultrasound images of the heart and blood vessels. Injection of radiocontrast material into the pancreatic duct can lead to pancreatitis. We investigated the feasibility of infusing gas filled lipid microbubbles into the pancreatic duct as an alternative, safe, high contrast imaging method that can be used during endoscopic ultrasound. Methods: Samples of the intact human cadaver pancreas (n=5) were used for the study. Each pancreatic duct was cannulated via the ampulla of Vater with a standard ERCP cannula. A solution of normal saline was first injected, the duct imaged and then aspirated using a syringe. This was followed by an infusion of microbubble solution (10 million microbubbles per ml). Each microbubble was 1-4 micron in diameter. B-mode ultrasound scanning was used to image the pancreatic duct during infusions. Results: High contrast images of the pancreatic duct were obtained with microbubble infusion, but not with normal saline. High mechanical index ultrasound was used to successfully cavitate the bubbles, to allow subsequent repeat injections and successful ductal imaging. Conclusion: Untargeted gas filled lipid microbubbles that are commonly used in echocardiography represent an excellent and likely safe, intra-ductal contrast agent for endosonographic imaging of the pancreatic duct. High mechanical index ultrasound can be used to safely burst the bubbles for repeated injections and imaging. Further, such lipid microbubbles can be decorated with ligands and antibodies for receptor targeted attachment to tumor cells, which will enable ductal tumors to be diagnosed and localized accurately during endoscopy.Figure: B-mode ultrasound image of pancreatic duct instilled with lipid microbubbles, showing the main pancreatic duct (indicated by arrows) in the head of the pancreas. The duct is displayed with high contrast and shows a dilated segment between the arrows.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
