Contrast-enhanced color Doppler sonography of uveal melanomas

Purpose. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the use of the galactose microbubble-based contrast agent Levovist in color Doppler sonography of uv eal melanomas. We also evaluated the use of the resistance index and pulsat ility index in differentiating tumor-associated vessels from normal vessels in patients with uveal melanomas. Methods. In this prospective study, 40 patients with uveal melanoma were ex amined with color Doppler sonography before and after the administration of the contrast agent Levovist. The Doppler signals were recorded from both t he tumor and the orbit and were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Results. Tumor-associated vessels were detected without contrast enhancemen t in 36 of 40 patients and with contrast enhancement in 38 of 40 patients. The spectral characteristics of the Doppler signals did not change after th e injection of Levovist. There were no differences-qualitative or quantitat ive-in Doppler signals between normal and tumor-associated vessels. Conclusions. The injection of Levovist slightly improved the detection of s mall vessels in uveal melanomas and the orbit but did not help to different iate between normal Vessels and tumoral vessels. The differentiation of a s olid tumor from subretinal hemorrhage or effusion was improved. (C) 2001 Jo hn Wiley & Sons, Inc.