Quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic analysis of perfusion in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, small intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes in healthy cats

Objective - To evaluate perfusion of abdominal organs in healthy cats by use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Animals - 10 young healthy anesthetized cats. Procedures - Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the liver, left kidney, pancreas, small intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes was performed on anesthetized cats. Results - Typical perfusion patterns were found for each of the studied organs. Differences in perfusion among organs were associated with specific physiologic features. The liver was enhanced gradually and had a more heterogeneous perfusion pattern because of its dual blood supply and close proximity to the diaphragm, compared with other organs. An obvious and significant difference in perfusion was detected between the renal cortex and medulla. No significant differences in perfusion were detected among the pancreas, small intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Results indicated that contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can be used in cats to estimate organ perfusion as in other species. Observed differences in perfusion variables can be mostly explained by physiologic differences in vascularity.