Ultrasound cavitation blockage of hepatic circulation analyzed by contrast perfusion imaging

Abstract

Objective To analyze the normal hepatic contrast perfusion blocked by ultrasound excited microbubble cavitation using the visual scoring method. Methods Twenty-four healthy New Zealand rabbits were divided into the microbubbles group (MB + US), the simple ultrasound group (US) and the sham group. The MB + US group was insonated by US and intravenous injection of lipid microbubbles. Microbubble was replaced by saline in the US group and sham US exposure was used in the sham group. US contrast liver perfusion imaging was performed before and 0 min,15 min,30 min,45 min,60 min,24 h after treatment in each group. Results The visual perfusion scores of each group before treatment were no statistical difference ( P >0. 05). The visual score of pre-treatment significantly higher than that of post 0 min, 15 min in the MB+ US group ( P 0. 05). There were no statistical significance between all the time points of the US and the sham groups. Conclusions Ultrasound excited microbubble cavitation can temporarily and significantly interrupt liver blood perfusion in the visual score analysis. Key words: Ultrasonography; Microbubbles; Liver; Hemodynamic phenomena