Microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the vascular evaluation after pancreas transplantation: a single-center experience

BackgroundArterial and venous thrombosis are feared complications of pancreas transplantation (PTx). Microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a non-invasive imaging technique that can augment diagnostic capabilities of transplant organ perfusion.PurposeTo document the state to which CEUS can improve the vascular evaluation of PTx compared to conventional Doppler ultrasound (US) directly after surgery.Material and MethodsA total of 129 consecutive PTx in 128 adult patients were eligible for inclusion. The duodenal segment of the graft was anastomosed to the native duodenum. Within 12 h postoperatively, graft circulation was monitored by Doppler US in 116 PTx performed in 116 patients (69 men, 47 women; mean age =41 years). CEUS was performed with a sulfur hexafluoride-containing contrast agent (SonoVue) intravenously if the examiner was not able to confirm normal graft circulation. Image quality was documented by two independent observers on a 4-point scale: 1 = excellent; 2 = minor diagnostic li...