Transmission electron microscopy of rabbit liver after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation combined with ultrasound contrast agents

The purpose of this study was to observe sequential changes in rabbit liver under transmission electron microscopy after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups. The livers of rabbits in group A underwent single HIFU ablation; those in group B were given the ultrasound contrast agent Sonovue 0.2 mL/kg before HIFU exposure. Five rabbits from each of the 2 groups were killed at 0 h, 6 d, and 14 d after HIFU ablation. Tissue samples that included targeted and untargeted tissues were observed under transmission electron microscopy. Electron microscopy showed that most of the cell organs in targeted areas of groups A and B disappeared early after HIFU, but the basic cell structure was seen in group A. On the sixth day after HIFU ablation in the 2 groups, all cells in the targeted areas were disrupted and fibrous bands were detected in the rims of targeted areas. In surrounding areas, cell swelling in group B was more severe than in group A, and a greater number of apoptotic bodies were found in group B. The use of an ultrasound contrast agent can enhance the effects of HIFU ablation on the destruction of cell ultrastructure and can enlarge the region of HIFU ablation; this provides experimental evidence for control of HIFU effects.