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Pelvic computed tomography angiography (CTA) prior to prostatic artery embolization is a beneficial tool for preprocedural planning to increase the likelihood of success during what can be a challenging procedure. Additionally, the same CTA images can be used for calculating the baseline prostate volume as well as for intraprocedural anatomic guidance, adding to the value of the scan. This article discusses the technique used for pelvic CTA and its role in preprocedural assessment of the pelvic vasculature prior to prostatic artery embolization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To prospectively compare full dose gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) with full dose gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) in the detection of focal hepatic lesions in patients with chronic liver disease on MRI. Materials and Methods: Eight patients with hepatic cirrhosis and a strong suspicion for small hepatocellular carcinoma based on prior MRI underwent contrast-enhanced MR examinations, one with full dose Gd-DTPA and one with full dose Gd-BOPTA. The exams were performed from 72–108 hours apart. Two blinded and independent radiologists evaluated images for lesion number, characterization, enhancement, and subjective preference. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two studies for lesion detection or characterization. There was 18% increased lesion enhancement for Gd-BOPTA, compared to Gd-DTPA, of the dominant lesion. Both blinded readers subjectively preferred the images using Gd-BOPTA over Gd-DTPA in the majority of cases, based on greater lesion enhancement and better edge definition. Conclusion: At equivalent full doses, Gd-BOPTA compared similarly with Gd-DTPA in the detection and characterization of focal hepatic lesions in patients with chronic liver disease. However, Gd-BOPTA was superior for increased lesion enhancement and subjective preference of the reader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have decreased kidney cortical microvascular perfusion, which may lead to worsening kidney function over time, but methods to quantify kidney cortical microvascular perfusion are not feasible to incorporate into clinical practice. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) may quantify kidney cortical microvascular perfusion, which requires further investigation in individuals across the spectrum of kidney function., Methods: We performed CEUS on a native kidney of 83 individuals across the spectrum of kidney function and calculated quantitative CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers. Participants had a continuous infusion of the microbubble contrast agent (Definity) with a flash-replenishment sequence during their CEUS scan. Lower values of the microbubble velocity ( β ) and perfusion index ( β ×A) may represent lower kidney cortical microvascular perfusion. Multivariable linear regression models tested the associations of the microbubble velocity ( β ) and perfusion index ( β ×A) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)., Results: Thirty-eight individuals with CKD (mean age±SD 65.2±12.6 years, median [IQR] eGFR 31.5 [18.9-41.5] ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ), 37 individuals with end stage kidney disease (ESKD; age 54.8±12.3 years), and eight healthy volunteers (age 44.1±15.0 years, eGFR 117 [106-120] ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ) underwent CEUS without side effects. Individuals with ESKD had the lowest microbubble velocity ( β ) and perfusion index ( β ×A) compared with individuals with CKD and healthy volunteers. The microbubble velocity ( β ) and perfusion index ( β ×A) had moderate positive correlations with eGFR ( β : r s =0.44, P <0.001; β ×A: r s =0.50, P <0.001). After multivariable adjustment, microbubble velocity ( β ) and perfusion index ( β ×A) remained significantly associated with eGFR (change in natural log transformed eGFR per 1 unit increase in natural log transformed biomarker: β , 0.38 [95%, CI 0.17 to 0.59]; β ×A, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.45 to 1.13])., Conclusions: CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers are associated with eGFR. Future studies are needed to determine if CEUS-derived kidney cortical microvascular perfusion biomarkers have prognostic value., Competing Interests: E.H. Chang reports research funding from Lantheus Medical Imaging and is on the medical advisory board for the North Carolina chapter of the National Kidney Foundation. P. Dayton reports consultancy for SonoVascular, Inc., SonoVol, Inc., and Triangle Biotechnology, Inc.; ownership interest in SonoVascular, Inc., SonoVol, Inc., and Triangle Biotechnology, Inc.; research funding from Kitware, LLC, SonoVol, Inc., and Triangle Biotechnology, Inc.; patents or royalties from SonoVascular, Inc., SonoVol, Inc., and Triangle Biotechnology, Inc.; an advisory or leadership role for SonoVascular, Inc., SonoVol, LLC, and Triangle Biotechnology, Inc.; and other interests or relationships with Pfizer, Inc. R. Walmer reports consultancy agreements with SonoVol, Inc. (entered into on November 2, 2021). A. Srivastava reports consultancy agreements with CVS Caremark and Tate & Latham (medicolegal consulting); honoraria from AstraZeneca, Bayer, and Horizon Therapeutics plc.; and participation in a speakers’ bureau for AstraZeneca. All remaining authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 by the American Society of Nephrology.)