Contrast-enhanced ultrasound evaluation of the renal microcirculation response to terlipressin in hepato-renal syndrome: A preliminary report

Abstract

Background: Terlipressin improves renal function in some patients with type-1 hepato-renal syndrome (HRS). Renal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), a novel imaging modality, may help to predict terlipressin responsiveness. Objectives: We used CEUS to estimate the effect of terlipressin on the renal cortical microcirculation in type-1 HRS. Methods: We performed renal CEUS scans with destruction-replenishment sequences using Sonovue® (Bracco, Milano Italy) as a contrast agent at baseline and after the intravenous administration of 1mg of terlipressin, in four patients with type-1 HRS. We analyzed video sequences offline using dedicated software. We derived a perfusion index (PI) at each time..