Characteristics of gray-scale ultrasonic images of acute closed renal trauma in rabbits

• Main Authors: Gui-zhong YUAN, Ye-kuo LI, Sha-sha WANG, Rui-xue XU, Qun-fang ZHOU, Ting LI
• Format: Article
• Language: English

Content Partner: Directory of Open Access Journals. Objective　To observe the dynamic characteristics of gray-scale ultrasonic images of acute blunt renal trauma (BRT) in rabbits. Methods　The acute BRT model was reproduced in 9 New Zealand white rabbits by SMS impactor with a 106.2N impact force. The gray-scale ultrasonic images of kidneys before impact, and immediate to 1 hour after impact were observed dynamically and videotaped. Then the rabbits were sacrificed and the kidneys were harvested, the macroscopic injury was observed, and the histopathological changes were evaluated under light microscope after HE staining. Results　Gray-scale ultrasonic examination revealed enhanced echo with irregular shapes and relatively clear margins in injured renal parenchyma, but the extent of damage detected by ultrasound was smaller than the actual damage; the sequence of echo was interrupted when renal pelvis was injured. The existence of active bleeding or bleeding stopped by spontaneous coagulation could be judged preliminarily according to the amount of fluid under the renal capsule and the echo changes in injured area. Macroscopic examination revealed trauma of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ in most rabbits. Histopathological examination revealed renal tissue injuries in different degrees. Macroscopic and microscopic hematuria could be seen in all rabbits. Conclusion　Gray-scale ultrasound may be used to evaluate the trauma of renal parenchyma and pelvis, and roughly judge the existence of active bleeding and blood coagulation, but hard to estimate the degree of damage accurately.