B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography in the renal evaluation of dogs after intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media: technical validation

Abstract:

Iodinated contrast media can provide hemodynamic effects related to prolonged intrarenal vasoconstriction and reduced perfusion, predisposing to hypoxia and medular ischemia. Changes in the renal vascular resistance may represent the first sign of impaired renal function. Pulsed wave Doppler sonography is low cost, non-invasive and allows renal hemodynamic evaluation by resistivity (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices. However in dogs, spectral Doppler waveform may be hard to obtain due to scanning difficulties and lack of signal Doppler. This fact occurs mostly in the right kidney because of its cranial and dorsal position in the abdominal cavity and may prolong the exam. The purpose of this study is to prove that the pulsed wave Doppler interrogation of the canine left kidney intrarenal arteries represent the renal hemodynamic effects of intravenous administration of iodinated contrast media and is not necessary to perform the exam in both kidneys. Right and left kidneys of six adult dogs were evaluated at four different times: before intravenous contrast infusion and after 1.5 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours, subjectively by using renal morphology, cortical echogenicity and renal perfusion, and objectively by using renal length, renal volume and intrarenal vascular resistance (RI and PI). No significant differences were noted between the parameters assessed by B mode and Doppler sonography of the right and left kidney in each evaluated moment. Thus, it was noted that pulsed wave Doppler sonographic evaluation of the left kidney represented the renal hemodynamic response of intravenous iodinated contrast media administration, only if both kidneys presented similar morphometry, morphology, cortical echogenicity, and perfusion during the first assessment.

Index Terms:
Pulsed wave Doppler; intrarenal hemodynamics; radiocontrast; dog