Renal perfusion: pharmacologic changes depicted with power Doppler US in an animal model.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ability of power Doppler ultrasonography to depict changes in renal perfusion after pharmacologic manipulations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six domestic swine were intubated and anesthetized. The right renal artery was catheterized for injection of epinephrine (100 micrograms) and papaverine (2 mg/kg). Intraarterial blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured continuously. Longitudinal images of the kidney were obtained, and the power Doppler color map was analyzed subjectively and by computer at baseline and at the time of maximum drug effect.

RESULTS

Epinephrine produced vasoconstriction with a diminished power Doppler color map and a decrease in both subjective and computer scores. After papaverine-induced vasodilatation, the power Doppler map was enhanced, as reflected by increased subjective and computer scores.

CONCLUSION

The power Doppler color map reflects anticipated changes in renal perfusion after alterations in blood flow by vasoactive drugs.