Enhanced visualisation of the normal prostate blood flow in young healthy volunteers using a new ultrasound contrast agent

Purpose: To evaluate the sonographic appearance of normal prostate vascular ity before and after injection of a new ultrasound contrast agent, Sonazoid (NC100100, Nycomed Amersham). Material and Methods: Five healthy male volunteers were given three injecti ons of Sonazoid each. Transrectal B-mode, colour Doppler and colour Doppler energy (i.e. power Doppler) imaging was performed. The visibility of the v ascular pattern and the vascular architecture of the prostate, including dy namics of contrast inflow and blood flow symmetry, were evaluated. Results: The depiction of the vascularity was improved in all subjects afte r injection of Sonazoid for both Doppler modes. No improvement was seen for B-mode. Contrast dynamics within the prostate vessels were demonstrated wi th a mean time from injection of the ultrasound contrast agent to enhanceme nt of the Doppler signals in the subcapsular arteries of 14+/-1 s (11-17 s) , and the ultrasound contrast agent reached the central periurethral veins 4-7 s later. A symmetric, radial, spoke-like intraprostatic vascular patter n could be identified in all subjects using power Doppler imaging and ultra sound contrast agent. Conclusion: Sonazoid improved the detection of normal human prostate vascul ar anatomy for both colour and power Doppler imaging. Contrast dynamic stud ies revealed a radial spoke-like intraprostatic vascular pattern. This info rmation might be useful in examination of patients with suspicion of prosta te cancer, and needs to be further investigated.