Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging of Prostate Gland in Neutered Dogs

Spada, Stefano; England, Gary C. W.; Vignoli, Massimo; Carluccio, Augusto; Russo, Marco

Abstract

Prostatic neoplasia (PN) occurs in 5–7% of dogs with prostatic disease, with castrated dogs having the same or higher prevalence when compared to intact dogs. Considering the promising results achieved by performing contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in intact dogs to detect PN, the present study aimed to acquire data on the prostatic perfusion pattern in neutered dogs. CEUS was performed in 64 neutered dogs, using a 5–7.5 MHz linear transducer with coded harmonic capability, dedicated analytical software, and a second-generation contrast agent, SonoVue. After B-mode evaluation was performed to assess mean prostate volume, the CEUS examination was undertaken. The flow of contrast agent was visible 10 s after injection. The subcapsular vessels were highlighted and produced rapid peripheral rim enhancement. Subsequently, the contrast agent reached the prostatic urethra via the parenchymal arterioles and gradually reached the entire prostate. Perfusion peak intensity (PPI) and time to peak (TTP) values were respectively 45.3% and 34.1 s. The measured parameters were compared with those obtained in previous studies on intact dogs with normal and with pathological patterns. In this study, CEUS showed features that may be promising for its use as a diagnostic tool for early detection of PN in neutered dogs.

Citation

Spada, S., England, G. C. W., Vignoli, M., Carluccio, A., & Russo, M. (2021). Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging of Prostate Gland in Neutered Dogs. Animals, 11(2), Article 559. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020559

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 17, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Feb 20, 2021
• Publication Date: Feb 20, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 8, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 9, 2021
• Journal: Animals
• Electronic ISSN: 2076-2615
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 2
• Article Number: 559
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020559
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5381613
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/2/559