Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Enhances Microvascular Perfusion Deficit Detection

Microvascular perfusion deficits and reduced arterial perfusion reserve are clearly detectable in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is used after transient arterial occlusion, report the authors of a feasibility study published online and in the August issue of Investigative Radiology. The study involved 20 patients with PAD, Rutherford classification grade I, category III, and 20 healthy volunteers. Low-mechanical index CEUS (7 MHz; MI, 0.28) was performed to the dominant lower leg after start of a continuous automatic intravenous injection of 4.8 mL suspension with micro-bubbles containing sulfur hexafluoride. Perfusion of the calf muscle was monitored by CEUS before, during, and after release of arterial occlusion at the thigh level lasting for 60 seconds. To read the abstract , click here: http://journals.lww.com/investigativeradiology/Abstract/2011/08000/Dynamic_Contrast_Enhanced_Ultrasound_for.5.aspx