Contrast-enhanced power Doppler imaging of normal and decreased blood flowin canine prostates

The purpose of this study was to investigate if Sonazoid(TM), a new ultraso und (US) contrast agent, can improve the delineation of areas with normal a nd decreased blood flow in the prostate. Sonazoid(TM) was administered in t he dose range of 0.00625-0.0375 muL microbubbles/kg into five anaesthetised mongrel adult male dogs. Transrectal power Doppler imaging of the prostate was performed in 2-D and 3-D with a C9-5 end-fire probe, using an HDI 3000 scanner. An area of decreased blood flow was created by inducing tissue ab lation with a CL60 laser system, to mimic an avascular lesion. A subjective assessment of the intraprostatic vessels and the prostate vascular archite cture was performed, with and without Sonazoid(TM), before and after induci ng the abnormal site. Visibility of the prostate blood How improved followi ng Sonazoid(TM) injection (p<0.001). A symmetric, radial vascular pattern w as identified in the normal prostate prior to tissue ablation, but only on the enhanced images. After tissue ablation, a disturbance of the normal vas cular pattern and identification of areas with lack of blood flow was possi ble, following Sonazoid(TM) injection. Furthermore, the location and size o f these areas were verified in all dogs by gross histology examination. Son azoid(TM) enhances the visibility of the prostate vascular architecture and improves, thereby the delineation of areas with normal and decreased blood flow.