J Vet Sci.  2012 Sep;13(3):311-314. 10.4142/jvs.2012.13.3.311.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound analysis of renal perfusion in normal micropigs

• Yi K
• Ji S
• Kim J
• Yoon J
• Choi M

• KMID: 1389771
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2012.13.3.311

Abstract

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is one of method for evaluating renal perfusion. The purpose of this project was to assess perfusion patterns and dynamics in normal micropig kidney using ultrasonographic contrast media. Eight young healthy micropigs were included in this study. Micropigs were anesthetized with propofol and received an intravenous bolus of microbubble contrast media through an ear vein. Time/mean pixel value (MPV) curves were generated for selected regions in the right renal cortex and medulla. The parenchyma was enhanced in two phases. The cortex was first enhanced followed by a more gradual enhancement of the medulla. A significant difference in perfusion was detected between the cortex and medulla. Following the bolus injection, the average upslope was 0.68 +/- 0.27 MPV/sec, downslope was -0.27 +/- 0.13 MPV/sec, baseline was 73.9 +/- 16.5 MPV, peak was 84.6 +/- 17.2 MPV, and time-to-peak (from injection) was 17.5 +/- 6.6 sec for the cortex. For the medulla, the average upslope was 0.50 +/- 0.24 MPV/sec, downslope was -0.12 +/- 0.06 MPV/sec, baseline was 52.7 +/- 7.0 MPV, peak was 65.2 +/- 9.3 MPV, and time-to-peak (from injection) was 27.5 +/- 5.0 sec. These data can be used as normal reference values for studying young micropigs.

Keyword

contrast ultrasound; kidney; micropig; perfusion

MeSH Terms

Animals
Contrast Media/*diagnostic use
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Injections, Intravenous/veterinary
Kidney/*blood supply/ultrasonography
Kidney Function Tests/veterinary
Linear Models
Microbubbles/diagnostic use/veterinary
Reference Values
Renal Circulation
Sulfur Hexafluoride/diagnostic use
Swine
Swine, Miniature/*physiology
Ultrasonography/*methods/veterinary

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Representative longitudinal plane images of the renal cortex captured at the time of peak intensity using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Maximum contrast enhancement of the renal cortex occurred at 17.5 ± 6.6 sec. (B) The renal medulla was also enhanced (arrow) and had a uniformly hyperechoic appearance.

• 

  Fig. 2 Representative time-mean pixel value (MPV) curves obtained by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the renal cortex and medulla of a healthy micropig. The upper curve represents enhancement of the cortex and the lower curve shows enhancement of the medulla.

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