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

The purpose of this study was to investigate if Sonazoid™, a new ultrasound (US) contrast agent, can improve the delineation of areas with normal and decreased blood flow in the prostate. Sonazoid™ was administered in the dose range of 0.00625–0.0375 μL 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 ablation with a CL60 laser system, to mimic an avascular lesion. A subjective assessment of the intraprostatic vessels and the prostate vascular architecture was performed, with and without Sonazoid™, before and after inducing the abnormal site. Visibility of the prostate blood flow improved following Sonazoid™ injection (p < 0.001). A symmetric, radial vascular pattern was identified in the normal prostate prior to tissue ablation, but only on the enhanced images. After tissue ablation, a disturbance of the normal vascular pattern and identification of areas with lack of blood flow was possible, following Sonazoid™ injection. Furthermore, the location and size of these areas were verified in all dogs by gross histology examination. Sonazoid™ enhances the visibility of the prostate vascular architecture and improves, thereby the delineation of areas with normal and decreased blood flow. (E-mail: else.krueger.hagen@no.nycomed-amersham.com)