The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of an intravenous
contrast agent (FS069) for visualization of normal visceral perfusion
compared with perfusion after segmental infarction in a canine model.
Six mongrel dogs were used as subjects. Splenic, renal, hepatic, and s
mall bowel perfusion was assessed without and with intravenous microbu
bble contrast material using gray scale, color Doppler, pulsed Doppler
, and color power Doppler sonography Each organ was then reassessed af
ter ligation of a segmental vessel. Imaging was again performed withou
t and with contrast material using all four ultrasonographic modalitie
s. In all organs color and spectral Doppler signals were significantly
enhanced from normally perfused tissue after intravenous contrast age
nt injection. Ischemic areas were more conspicuous after contrast medi
um injection except in the liver. Hepatic perfusion was maintained by
portal flow in the liver despite arterial ligation. Ligation of collat
eral arcades was required to produce bowel ischemia. Intravenous injec
tion of FS069 improves evaluation of visceral perfusion and identifica
tion of focal visceral ischemia in dogs. These results suggest that th
is agent may increase sensitivity for detection of blood flow in small
and deep vessels.