Contrast-enhanced ultrasound evaluation of the renal microcirculation response to terlipressin in hepato-renal syndrome: a preliminary report

Background: Terlipressin improves renal function in some patients with type-1 hepato-renal syndrome (HRS). Renal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), a novel imaging modality, may help to predict terlipressin responsiveness. Objectives: We used CEUS to estimate the effect of terlipressin on the renal cortical microcirculation in type-1 HRS. Methods: We performed renal CEUS scans with destruction?replenishment sequences using Sonovue (Bracco, Milano Italy) as a contrast agent at baseline and after the intravenous administration of 1 mg of terlipressin, in four patients with type-1 HRS. We analyzed video sequences offline using dedicated software. We derived a perfusion index (PI) at each time point for each patient. Results: Patients 1 and 2 had severe presentation and were admitted to the intensive care unit. Both showed a marked increase in PI (+216 and + 567 of baseline) in response to terlipressin. Patients 3 and 4 had less severe presentations and had a decrease in PI (53 and 20 of baseline) in response to terlipressin. Patients 1, 2, and 4, but not patient 3, responded to terlipressin therapy with a decrease in serum creatinine to 5150 mmol/L. Conclusions: CEUS detected changes in renal cortical microcirculation in response to terlipressin and demonstrated heterogeneous microvascular responses to terlipressin. These initial proof-of-concept findings justify future investigations.