Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic examination to evaluate health status of mammary glands of ewes at the end of a lactation period

Abstract

This research communication describes the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic examination (CEUS) in mammary glands of ewes for diagnosis of chronic mastitis; this is the first report of the use of this modality in diagnostic imaging of mammary glands of ruminants. For this purpose, a convex transducer was used, with the following settings: frequency: 2·0/4·0 MHz, mechanical index: 0·09, power: 22 dB, scanning depth: 70 mm, and sulphur hexafluoride in microbubbles at a dose of 20 µl as the contrast agent. In four healthy mammary glands (2 ewes), CEUS examination revealed a steady biphasic pattern of contrast agent kinetics characterised by initial uptake within 15–40 s post-injection, at which time intensity peaked with strong enhancement (130–200 AEU) followed by a gradual wash-out phase. In three mammary glands with history of clinical mastitis (2 ewes), the pattern was particularly inconsistent and unclear, with weak enhancement (<100 AEU) (P < 0·01) lasting for a short period. Notwithstanding issues regarding cost and withdrawal period of contrast-agent, this imaging modality may contribute to improved diagnosis of mastitis cases, especially on occasions when abnormalities cannot be easily confirmed by more conventional methods.

Modern Imaging Techniques in the Study and Disease Diagnosis of the Mammary Glands of Animals

“…Contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic examination (CEUS) is a novel imaging technique that, in humans, is employed for the evaluation of mammary tumours [ 61 ]. Recently, CEUS has been found useful for the detection of lesions in mammary glands of animals [ 62 ]. For this examination, the ultrasound equipment must be fitted with specific software to perform the secondary harmonic imaging and inverted pulse whilst the use of a contrast agent is also necessary [ 62 ].…”

“…Recently, CEUS has been found useful for the detection of lesions in mammary glands of animals [ 62 ]. For this examination, the ultrasound equipment must be fitted with specific software to perform the secondary harmonic imaging and inverted pulse whilst the use of a contrast agent is also necessary [ 62 ]. The microbubbles used as contrast agent must possess certain characteristics: stability with resistance to external pressures to prevent their dissolution and reduced gas diffusion into the blood [ 63 ].…”

“…During the performance of the technique, the contrast agent is administrated intravenously through the cephalic (dogs, cats) or the jugular (ruminants) vein [ 62 , 66 ].…”

Clinical, Ultrasonographic, Bacteriological, Cytological and Histopathological Findings of Uterine Involution in Ewes with Uterine Infection

“…Image enhancement in each region was measured in linear arbitrary enhancement units (AEU). A time-intensity curve was generated for each region of interest and for each examination the below parameters were calculated [46].…”

Μελέτη Της Παλινδρόμησης Της Μήτρας Σε Προβατίνες

“…Image enhancement in each region was measured in linear arbitrary enhancement units (AEU). A time-intensity curve was generated for each region of interest and for each examination the below parametres were calculated (Mantziaras et al 2018).…”