CONTRAST-ENHANCED ULTRASONOGRAPHIC VISUALIZATION OF GONADAL TORSION

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of use of intr avenous ultrasonographic contrast agent in the diagnosis of gonadal to rsion in an animal model. After examination of perfusion of normal gon ads in male and female dogs, torsion was produced and maintained mecha nically. Presence and pattern of blood flow was then reassessed before and after administration of varying doses of perfluorocarbon-filled m icrosphere intravenous contrast agent. Modes of examination included g ray scale, color flow, color power, and spectral analysis using a tran sducer placed directly on the surgically exposed gonads. Although no e nhancement was perceptible on gray scale images, color and spectral Do ppler signals were significantly stronger after injection of contrast agent in both normal and rotated gonads. Perfusion asymmetry was more obvious. Some residual flow was seen in partially rotated testes, and absence of flow was documented in both partially and fully rotated ova ries. Use of intravenous contrast medium improves demonstration of alt ered flow patterns in ischemic gonads, allowing more confident diagnos is.