Hepatocyte Injury Induced by Contrast‐Enhanced Diagnostic Ultrasound

Abstract

Objectives-Contrast-enhanced diagnostic ultrasound (US) has a potential to induce localized biological effects. The potential for contrast-enhanced diagnostic US bioeffects in liver were researched, with guidance from a report by Yang et al (Ultrasonics 2012; 52:1065-1071.Methods-Contact and standoff scanning was performed for 10 minutes with a diagnostic US phased array at 1.6 MHz during bolus injection or infusion of a contrast agent at a high dose. The impact of the imaging on rat liver was investigated by measuring enzyme release, microvascular leakage, and staining of injured hepatocytes.Results-The results showed liver enzyme release at 30 minutes, indicating liver injury, and elevated extraction of Evans blue dye, indicating microvascular leakage. In addition, Evans blue and trypan blue vital-staining methods revealed scattered stained cells within the US scan plane. For the Evans blue method, fluorescent cell counts in frozen sections were greatest for standoff exposure with contrast infusion. The count decreased strongly with depth for bolus injection, which was probably reflective of the high attenuation noted for this agent delivery method. Conclusions-The results qualitatively confirmed the report by Yang et al and additionally showed hepatocyte vital staining. Research is needed to determine the threshold for the effects and the contrast agent dose response.

Overview of Ultrasound in Dentistry for Advancing Research Methodology and Patient Care Quality with Emphasis on Periodontal/Peri-implant Applications

“…The use of ultrasound contrast agents increases the likelihood of cavitation as they undergo stable and inertial cavitation when appropriately exposed. These effects have been studied in lung tissue and others [219] , [220] , [221] . Ultrasound safety is continuously evaluated by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and others.…”