Ultrasound contrast agent for visualization of normal blood flow in dog prostate.

Bigliardi E.¹, Parmigiani E.¹, Ferrari L.¹, Di Ianni F.¹, Morini G.¹

¹Veterinary Faculty, Units of Obstetric and Reproduction, Parma, Italy.

The purpose of this study was investigate the efficacy of LevovistÒ (Shering AG), a new ultrasound contrast agent, to improve the visualization of normal blood flow in the prostate. We administered LevovistÒ, ranging from 1965 to 2894 mmol/kg (300-400 mg/ml) during 45 seconds i.v to six anaesthetised dogs. A trans-abdominal examination of the prostate was performed by means of a Caris Plus Esaote scanner  with 5-7.5-10 MHz probes. Imaging of normal blood flow of prostate was performed with and without administration of LevovistÒ. The following classi­fications were used: low when only the sub-capsular vessels were visible, moderate when also the periferal vessels were visible, and high when also the intra-prostatic vessels could be evaluated. Before injection the PRF (pulse repetition frequency) and gain were adjusted to display only flow information without artifacts. Pre-treatment sub-capsular blood flow was visible in four out of six dogs. After contrast administration we could clearly observe sub-capsular blood flow in all six dogs. In four cases symmetric periferal  and peri-urethral flows (moderate and high) were identified; in two cases also intra-prostatic flows could be seen. The  vascular patterns were high for three minutes in four dogs and five minutes in  two dogs. This study showed that the ultrasound contrast agent investigated is useful for studying of prostatic blood flows and increases the sensitivity in diagnostic imaging.

Abstract pubblicati sulla rivista Reproduction Domestic Animal organo ufficiale della Società Europea di Riproduziione Animale

(European Society Domesti Animal Reproduction ESDAR)