To explore the value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for detection of renal microvascular blood perfusion in diabetic nephropathies (DN) rabbits.

Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n=10) and DN model building group (n=10) according to the random number table method. After successful modeling, there were 6 rabbits in DN group and 9 rabbits in control group. Real-time and low acoustic power imaging of the renal cortex was performed using CEUS with SonoVue to observe renal microcirculation. The time intensity curve (TIC) was used to obtain quantitative parameters including time to peak (TTP), peak intensity (PI), mean transit time (MTT), area under the curve (AUC) and so on. Renal function and morphology were also compared. Independent t-test was used to analyze measurement data.

TIC revealed the TTP[(31.91±6.21)s, (22.30±8.05)s] and MTT[(58.68±9.82)s, (53.37±4.47)s] were longer in DN group than those in control group, with significant differences (t=6.66, 3.80, all P<0.05). Meanwhile DN group had a significantly low PI compared with control group [(29.31±7.73)dB , (34.45±5.46)dB, t=4.86, P<0.05]. However, no statistical significant differences were found in the change of other quantitative parameters including AUC [(2 442.65±725.47)dB/s, (2 255.31±209.09)dB/s, t=0.38, P>0.05], slope coefficient during wash-in (0.41±0.08, 0.37±0.06, t=1.26, P>0.05), slope coefficient during wash-out (0.02±0.01, 0.02±0.01, t=0.26, P>0.05) in both DN and control group.

CEUS may be useful for the early diagnosis of DN. TTP, MTT and PI may be useful quantitative parameters.

Diabetic nephropathies; Contrast enhanced ultrasound; Rabbit; Quantitative analysis