Effect of SonoVue on left and right ventricle in pigs

Objective To assess the effect of ultrasound contrast agent SonoVue on the dimensions and systolic function of left and right ventricle in pigs. Methods Sixteen pigs were randomly assigned to two groups. Intravenous injection of 1 ml of SonoVue were given in study group, and repeated 20 min later. The control group was given the same doses of saline. Before and after the administration of contrast agent, the end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD, RVEDD). end-systolic dimension ( LVESD, RVESD) and fractional shortening(LVFS,RVFS) of left and right ventricle were measured. The time to reach the extreme value of these parameters and the time to return to the baseline were recorded. Results There was no significant difference regarding the parameters at baseline between the two groups. After injection of SonoVue,RVEDD significantly increased from (25. 88 ± 1. 38) mm at baseline to its maximum of (33. 26 ± 0. 99)mm( P < 0. 05). Accordingly,RVFS significantly increased from (26. 90 ± 1. 92) % to (33. 92 ± 2. 53) % ( P <0. 05). Meanwhile,LVEDD remarkably decreased from (38.10 ± 1. 39)mm at baseline to its minimum of (26.25 ± 0. 65)mm( P <0. 05) and LVFS remarkably decreased from (36. 24 ± 1. 93) % to (29.13 ± 3.00) % ( P < 0. 05). There was no change in the control group after administration of the saline. When SonoVue was given repeatedly, the maximum RVEDD and RVFS was (29. 98 ± 1. 23) mm and (31. 09 + 1.90) % , respectively, which had less increase compared to the first time. Minimum LVEDD and LVFS was (31. 91 ± 1, 64)mm and (32. 17 ± 2. 31)%,respectively,with less decrease compared with which at first injection. It took (10. 15±0. 59) min for the right and left ventricle to reach the extreme value and (9.00± 0. 56) min to return to the baseline at the first injection. The time used for the right and left ventricle to reach its peak change and back to baseline after second injection of SonoVue were shorter [(8.73± 0.55) min and (6.89± 0.43) min, respectively,both P <0.05]. Conclusions Administration of SonoVue was associated with acute, transient dilation of right ventricle and compression of left ventricle. The influence of SonoVue on the right and left ventricle became less at it second injection. Key words: Echocardiography; Microbubbles/adverse effects;  Ventricular function