Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 16, Issue 10 641-645, Copyright © 1997 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Doppler sonographic evaluation of the portal vein: effects of intravenous dodecafluoropentane
S. A. Teefey, W. D. Middleton, T. M. Crowe and M. G. Peters
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
The aim of this study was to determine if the intravascular contrast agent
dodecafluoropentane (Phase III Clinical Trial) produces enhancement and
facilitates visualization of portal vein and collateral blood flow. Twenty
patients with advanced liver disease or an orthotopic liver transplant
underwent gray scale, duplex, and color Doppler sonography. Sonograms were
obtained prior to and after the randomized administration of a placebo and
dodecafluoropentane in a double-blind fashion. Blinded readers
independently reviewed all videotapes. Separate comparisons were made
between the baseline study and placebo or dodecafluoropentane study for
portal vein enhancement, increase in portal vein length or branching, and
patency of the portal vein and collaterals. Flow enhancement was seen with
dodecafluoropentane in 17 of 20 (85%) cases and with saline solution in
zero cases. Improved visualization of the portal vein or collateral length
or branching was observed with dodecafluoropentane in 11 of 20 (55%) cases
and with saline solution in zero cases. Portal vein or collateral flow was
not detected in six baseline studies. In two of six (33%) cases, flow was
detected with dodecafluoropentane. Our results show that
dodecafluoropentane is capable of enhancing portal vein and collateral
flow, can improve visualization of portal vein length and its branches, and
may be useful in cases in which portal vein flow cannot be demonstrated by
noncontrast sonography.
