Analysis of blood clot echogenicity

Abstract

The ability of B-mode ultrasound to follow effectively blood clot echogenicity changes over time under conditions of red cell preservation and lysis was evaluated. Blood clots were produced in cellulose dialysis tubing and then placed into appropriate baths of either saline or water. The echogenicity changes were then followed quantitatively using A-mode and qualitatively using B-mode imaging. Blood clots in saline showed an initial decrease followed by a leveling off in echogenicity. Blood clots in water showed a decline in echogenicity throughout the experiment. The A-mode imaging was effectively able to follow blood clot echogenicity changes under these controlled conditions.

Painful congestion of the lower limbs and recurrent fever

“…Although ultrasound and venography are excellent instruments to diagnose DVT, they are apparently insufficient for the diagnosis of VCA [25][26][27][28]. In our patient, VCA could be detected by MRI after the diagnosis of the bilateral DVT by ultrasound.…”

Chronologic Echogenicity Changes and Histologic Correlates in Experimental Blood Clots

“…The echogenicity decline was observed at both 6 and 48 hours after clot formation. Peter et al 10 reported that blood clots in saline showed an initial decrease followed by a plateau in echogenicity, and that point occurred 3.5 hours after the clots were made. In another study in the rat, it was reported that there seems to be some decrease in echogenicity several days after clot formation, suggesting that thrombus lysis occurs 7 .…”

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of a Traumatic Splenic Hematoma and Literature Review

“…Septations within the hematoma have been reported in a horse' and in dogs.6 Splenic hematomas are anechoic, hypoechoic or hyperechoic to surrounding parenchyma, depending on how much time elapses between formation of the hematoma and ultrasonographic examination. 19,20 Based on in vitro studies performed on artificial blood clots, immediate echogenicity has been ascribed to red blood cells within a fibrin network, as neither plasma clots nor static packed red blood cells alone demonstrate echogenicity.20'21 Mere physical layering of red blood cells and fibrin seems adequate to generate an echo, as echogeniciEhas been demonstrated in static, unclotted blood, both in vitro and in vivo.21 Echogenicity of fresh blood clots remains constant for 24 hours, then decreases progressivelJbetween 24 and 48 hours.20 Both hemolysis of red blood cells within the clot2' and retraction of the clot" have been held responsible for this diminishing echogenicity . Nonuni-.form hemolysis is observed within artificial blood clots-' and is thought to account for the mixed echogenic pattern seen during aging of splenic hematomas.…”