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Air Microbubbles as a Contrast Medium in Transcranial Doppler Sonography
Author(s) -
Ries Fernand,
Kaal Klaus,
Schultheiss Rolf,
Solymosi László,
Schlief Reinhard
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of neuroimaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1552-6569
pISSN - 1051-2284
DOI - 10.1111/jon199114173
Subject(s) - medicine , microbubbles , transcranial doppler , middle cerebral artery , limiting , radiology , ultrasound , nuclear medicine , ischemia , mechanical engineering , engineering
An insufficient signal‐to‐noise ratio is a significant limiting factor in assessing intracranial hemodynamic parameters by transcranial Doppler sonography. To establish the feasibility and validity of signal enhancement in transcranial Doppler sonography, stabilized air microbubbles bound to galactose microparticles as a carrier (SHU 454) were used in an animal model. The disadvantage of a short‐lasting effect is caused by instability of the contrast medium and a consequent reduced capacity to pass through the lung. Eight pigs received SHU 454 intraarterially in various concentrations and forms of application during transcranial monitoring of the middle cerebral artery with a 2‐MHz pulsed ultrasound device. The effect was reproducible, dependent on the dose and application modalities. The best results were obtained with low concentrations (100 mg of microparticlesjml of suspension) and low injection speeds (0. 5− 1.0 ml/sec) into the common carotid artery by injection pump, reaching a homogeneous average enhancement of 6 to 1 2 dB over at least 5 minutes. Histological examination of the brain showed no evidence of air embolization. Further development requires a stable solution with similar properties and an ability to pass through the lung, therefore being suitable for intravenous application in humans.