Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Uterus During Normal Equine Pregnancy: Preliminary Report in Two Mares

摘要: Abstract There are no reports on use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in equine obstetrics. The aim this study was to evaluate feasibility and safety CEUS as a technique for monitoring quantifying perfusion the uterus throughout normal pregnancy mares. Two pregnant Standardbred healthy mares underwent real-time two-dimensional ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasound, uteroplacental unit day 40, at 90–100 days, then every 30 days, 10 days during last month pregnancy. Foeto-placental well-being particular fetal heart rate an index stress were monitored, main uterine arteries diameter parameter resistance (RI) measured. Contrast-enhanced quantitative variables, peak intensity, arrival time, time from injection, initial rise No contrast medium observed fetus, umbilical vein, allantochorionic layer unit. Neonatal foals clinically normal. Placenta postpartum gross examination both A progressive bilateral increase noticed RI reduced early first half remained relatively unchanged until delivery. Contrast enhancement satisfactory all CEUS. Peak intensity showed overall fivefold 10-fold mare no. 1 2, respectively. discrete trend change other variables. is feasible seems safe microperfusion