Abstract
To evaluate the use of transtemporal brain contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to assess cerebral blood perfusion in a cohort of children without neurological disorders. We included pediatric patients who were undergoing a clinically-indicated CEUS study. Brain scans were performed with a Siemens Sequoia scanner and a 4V1 transducer, that was placed on the left transtemporal bone. Brain scans were performed simultaneously with the images of the clinically-indicated organ of interest. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed to evaluate the hemispherical blood flow at the level of the midbrain during the wash-in and wash-out phases of the time-intensity curve. Clinical charts were reviewed to evaluate post-CEUS adverse events. Five patients were evaluated (mean age 5.8 ± 5.1years). Qualitatively, more avid enhancement in the midbrain than the cortex was observed. Structures depicted ranged between the centrum semiovale at the level of the lateral ventricles and the midbrain. A quantitative analysis conducted on four patients demonstrated less avid perfusion on the contralateral (i.e. right) side, with a mean left/right ratio ranging between 1.51 and 4.07. In general, there was a steep positive wash-in slope starting at approximately 10s after contrast injection, reaching a peak intensity around 15-26s on the left side, and 17-29s on the right side. No adverse events were reported. Transtemporal brain CEUS is feasible and safe in the pediatric population and allows qualitative and quantitative assessment of cerebral perfusion.
Published Version
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 call