Leonardo Callegari, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eugenio Annibale Genovese MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Chiara Recaldini MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Federico Fontana, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Carlo Fugazzola, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Davide Mariani, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Aim of this study was to evaluate with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) the Achilles intratendinous microcirculation in high risk tendon rupture athletes. The hypothesis was that CEUS has an higher sensibility than power Doppler US and that it could be used as a screening exam for Achilles tendinopathy.

24 non professional athletes were divided in two groups (A and B). Group A (risk group) included 14 patients with a median age of 32 years (27 to 47 years) undergone to a previous surgical repair procedure for unilateral Achilles tendon rupture. Group B (control group) included 10 subjects with a median of 34 years (27 to 40 years) with no previous or present history of tendinopathy. All patients were evaluated with ultrasound (US), power-Doppler and CEUS with second-generation contrast agent. The study was performed on Achilles tendon controlateral to the previous rupture of Group A and randomly selected Achilles tendon of Group B. Time-Intensity enhancement curves were calculated with specific software.

CEUS technique showed an significative increase of vascular spots within the tendon of Group A compared to Group B (< 0.05).

In patients with high risk of tendon rupture, CEUS detected small vessels that couldn’t be identified by power-Doppler US.

we suggest that CEUS should be indicated in athletes with high tendon rupture risk being useful in detecting microvascularization not highlighted by other imaging techniques.

Callegari, L, Genovese, E, Recaldini, C, Fontana, F, Fugazzola, C, Mariani, D, Analysis of Achilles Tendon Microvasculature with Second Generation Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS).  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6022583.html