Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for blunt hepatic trauma: an animal experiment

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to study the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis of active hemorrhage and intraparenchymal lesions in blunt hepatic trauma versus conventional ultrasound (US). Methods Twenty heparinized and anesthetized domestic pigs have been created to animal models with blunt hepatic trauma by a special impacting device. Conventional US and CEUS were performed to determine if hepatic traumas were present. Results Active hemorrhage, the presence of intraparenchymal lesions, and sonographic pattern were evaluated for conventional US and CEUS, as compared with laparotomy and pathologic findings. Contrast-enhanced US detected active hemorrhage from the injured livers in all cases, but conventional US did not find that in any case. The sensitivity of CEUS and conventional US in diagnosing intraparenchymal lesions of blunt hepatic trauma were 100% and 60%, respectively. Conclusions Contrast-enhanced US is more sensitive than conventional US in determining the active hemorrhage and intraparenchymal lesions in blunt hepatic trauma.