A New Method of Measurement of Cerebral Circulation Time: Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Healthy Adults and Patients with Intracranial Shunts

Alterations in the cerebral circulation time (CCT) are observed in several cerebrovascular diseases. We designed a new method of global CCT measurement using gray-scale contrast-enhanced ultrasound and studied healthy Chinese adults and patients with intracranial shunts. Eighty-one healthy volunteers and eight patients with intracranial shunt disease were enrolled. The contrast agent Sonovue was used. Perfusion in the carotid artery and internal jugular vein bilaterally was recorded. Start and peak filling CCTs were calculated and analyzed. Imaging of carotid vessels was uncomplicated in all patients. The bilateral start CCT was 6.23 ± 1.39 s in healthy patients. There were no significant differences within subgroups and contrast-dosage groups. In the patient group, the mean start CCT was 3.0 ± 0.56 s. There was a significant difference between the control and patient groups (p < 0.001). This new method using gray-scale contrast imaging can measure CCT and cerebral blood volume accurately. It can be used to visualize blood flow differences in real time and is less dependent on the training of the operator.