PURPOSE: A prospective study was carried out to determine whether an improved assessment of the anatomy and flow velocity in the hepatic artery could be achieved by the administration of a capillary transversing contrast agent (Levovist) in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation. METHODS: In 21 (62%) of 34 patients after liver transplantation, only an insufficient visualisation of the hepatic artery was achieved. Therefore, a capillary transversing contrast agent was administered intravenously. Pre- and post-contrast peak velocity and Doppler frequency shift in the proper hepatic artery were measured and image quality of colour and spectral Doppler was assessed by a qualitative scale. RESULTS: Image quality, with complete visualisation of hepatic artery in 79% (precontrast 38%) of all cases, was significantly improved (p < 0.01 (Wilcoxon test)) by the administration of a contrast agent. CONCLUSIONS: Visualisation of the hepatic artery after orthotopic liver transplantation can be improved by the administration of Levovist. It allows a reliable measurement of peak velocity and Doppler frequency shift and helps to avoid further imaging.
PURPOSE: A prospective study was carried out to determine whether an improved assessment of the anatomy and flow velocity in the hepatic artery could be achieved by the administration of a capillary transversing contrast agent (Levovist) in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation. METHODS: In 21 (62%) of 34 patients after liver transplantation, only an insufficient visualisation of the hepatic artery was achieved. Therefore, a capillary transversing contrast agent was administered intravenously. Pre- and post-contrast peak velocity and Doppler frequency shift in the proper hepatic artery were measured and image quality of colour and spectral Doppler was assessed by a qualitative scale. RESULTS: Image quality, with complete visualisation of hepatic artery in 79% (precontrast 38%) of all cases, was significantly improved (p < 0.01 (Wilcoxon test)) by the administration of a contrast agent. CONCLUSIONS: Visualisation of the hepatic artery after orthotopic liver transplantation can be improved by the administration of Levovist. It allows a reliable measurement of peak velocity and Doppler frequency shift and helps to avoid further imaging.
Authors: H G Khan; P Gailloud; R O Bude; J B Martin; K T Szopinski; C Khaw; D A Rüfenacht; K J Murphy Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2000-02 Impact factor: 3.825