Ultrasonographic detection of testicular ischemia in a canine model using phospholipid coated microbubbles (MRX-115)

J Ultrasound Med. 1997 May;16(5):317-24; quiz 325-6.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the sonographic contrast agent MRX-115 could improve the accuracy of Doppler ultrasonographic diagnosis of testicular ischemia. Testicular duplex ultrasonography was performed on six dogs before and after surgical ligation of the testicular artery, and before and after intravenous injection of MRX-115. Six radiologists blinded to experimental conditions rated the testicular blood flow. Receiver operating characteristics curves for conditions with and without administration of contrast agent were compared using Student's t-test for paired observations. Statistically significant differences were found both for the tests viewed individually (P = 0.003) and for the testes in comparison to the contralateral side (P = 0.0001). MRX-115 therefore is found to improve duplex sonographic evaluation of testicular ischemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dogs
  • Fluorocarbons* / administration & dosage
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Ischemia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Observer Variation
  • ROC Curve
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Testis / blood supply*
  • Testis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Fluorocarbons
  • perflutren