[A study of transsplenic CO2 gas enhanced portal angioechography]

Transsplenic CO2 gas enhanced portal angioechography was examined. The spleen of three dogs was punctured by 23 gauge needle with two side holes. From 5 ml to 20 ml of CO2 gas was injected into the splenic vein via the splenic parenchyma, and elevation of echo level of the liver was observed. Hematoma was not seen at the site of puncture. Good image was obtained in the case of 5 ml CO2 injection. In one dog with pseudotumor in the liver, the hyperechoic tumor changed into negative enhanced nodule after CO2 gas enhancement. Transsplenic CO2 gas enhanced portal angioechography is thought to be useful to evaluate hepatic tumors.