Validation of portal vein flow measurement by color flow Doppler sonography in a porcine model of septic shock.

Abstract

To compare portal vein flow values gained by color flow Doppler sonography with simultaneously derived data from an ultrasound transit time flow probe. Repeated, simultaneous flow measurements were performed in a prospective study investigating the effect of various drugs on hepatosplanchnic perfusion and energy balance in a long-term model of stable, hyperdynamic endotoxin shock. Investigational animal laboratory. Domestic pigs. Alterations in respirator setting were studied with regard to their effect on the quality of color flow Doppler data in comparison to flow probe data. Additional experiments included variation in PEEP level in conjunction with volume resuscitation. Respiratory rates of 14-18/min led to color Doppler flow values consistently 20-40% above simultaneously measured flow probe data. Temporary apnea led to enhanced agreement of data. Reduction in respiratory rate to 8/min with increase in tidal volume consistently led to color Doppler data within 10% of the corresponding flow probe values. A short-term period of respirator-dependent, constant portal vein inflow enables color Doppler sonography to detect correct values in a clinically relevant setting of hyperdynamic endotoxin shock.