Novel contrast agent Visphere™ is feasible for contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in dogs

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography provides a more functional diagnostic image than conventional ultrasonography. This prospective exploratory study compared the novel contrast agent, Visphere((TM)), with commercial contrast agents in five healthy Beagle dogs. Visphere((TM)) has the smallest diameter and highest concentration compared with Sonazoid(R) and SonoVue(R). Each dog received an intravenous injection of Visphere((TM)), Sonazoid(R), or SonoVue(R). Images were recorded for 300, 600, and 60 s in the heart, liver, and left kidney, respectively. The mean pixel values of the regions of interest for each organ were expressed as time intensity curves (TIC). The agents all improved the visualization of left ventricular endocardial border delineation in the heart, and had similar TICs and clinical useful durations. In contrast, Visphere((TM)) expressed the highest mean pixel value in the liver parenchyma at an early observation time and maintained the intensity until 600 s, like Sonazoid(R). The renal evaluation results indicated there were no statistically significant differences in time-to-peak for the renal cortex or medulla among the agents. Compared with the other two agents, SonoVue(R) had the lowest peak enhancement for the renal cortex and medulla. No dogs had any adverse reactions during or after the study. All three agents provided adequate results for left ventricular endocardial border delineation, and Visphere((TM)) may have the same potential as Sonazoid(R) to detect and characterize hepatic lesions. Visphere((TM)) and Sonazoid(R) may offer better visualization quality to evaluate renal function. In conclusion, the novel contrast agent, Visphere((TM)), is comparable with commercial agents and could be applied in different major organs in dogs.