Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for assessment of the state of femoropopliteal bypass graft anastomoses

Shults O.G., Vopilova O.V., Shults A.A.

Volga Region Research Medical University of the RF Ministry of Public Health, Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia

Analysed herein is the experience of the first eight ultrasonographic studies of peripheral arteries with dynamic contrast enhancement using sulphur hexafluoride («SonoVue») carried out in patients after previously performed femoropopliteal bypass grafting with a synthetic prosthesis (in seven cases the distal anastomosis of the bypass graft was located below the fissure of the knee joint and in one case – above the fissure of the knee joint). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed averagely 12.5±4.0 months after the operation, according to the technique recommended by the manufacturer of the contrast agent.

It was demonstrated that control ultrasonic scanning of lower-limb arteries using contrast enhancement in the remote period after bypass operations proved more informative in relation to detection of stenoses of the distal anastomosis of the femoropopliteal bypass graft, trifurcation of the popliteal artery and near-ostium segments of tibial arteries than a study with no contrast medium.

KEY WORDS: femoropopliteal bypass grafting, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, stenosis, CEUS.

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