Trial Outcomes & Findings for tSCI Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Study (NCT NCT04056988)

NCT ID: NCT04056988

Last Updated: 2026-04-29

Results Overview

Feasibility was defined as successful intravenous administration of perflutren lipid microsphere contrast agent and acquisition of interpretable intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) perfusion imaging during spinal decompressive surgery in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE4

Target enrollment

27 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Operative period to one-week or hospital discharge (first occurring event)

Results posted on

2026-04-29

Participant Flow

Recruitment occurred when patients were admitted for the treatment of an acute spinal injury and were screened for eligibility. The approved number of subjects did not match the number of eligible, recruited subjects.

The study was approved for a total of 80 patients during the approval/funding period. 27 subjects were recruited to the study, with a total of 22 completing the study. 5 subjects succumbed to their injuries, not related to the study. Subjects were enrolled in the study when the inclusion criteria were met and consent was obtained. Actual enrollment did not meet the approved, anticipated enrollment number during the study.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Acute Spinal Cord Injury Patients to Undergo Contrast-enhanced Imaging During Surgery.
Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound. A hand-held intraoperative ultrasound probe will be used to collect sagittal images of the spinal cord centered above the spinal cord injury. A bolus IV injection of DEFINITY® contrast agent (1.5ml DEFINITY®/8.5ml saline) will be given. Continuous imaging will be obtained to record contrast inflow and washout. Perflutren Lipid Microsphere: Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound.
Overall Study
STARTED
27
Overall Study
COMPLETED
22
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
5

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Acute Spinal Cord Injury Patients to Undergo Contrast-enhanced Imaging During Surgery.
Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound. A hand-held intraoperative ultrasound probe will be used to collect sagittal images of the spinal cord centered above the spinal cord injury. A bolus IV injection of DEFINITY® contrast agent (1.5ml DEFINITY®/8.5ml saline) will be given. Continuous imaging will be obtained to record contrast inflow and washout. Perflutren Lipid Microsphere: Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound.
Overall Study
Death
5

Baseline Characteristics

Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Acute Spinal Cord Injury Patients to Undergo Contrast-enhanced
n=27 Participants
Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound. A hand-held intraoperative ultrasound probe will be used to collect sagittal images of the spinal cord centered above the spinal cord injury. A bolus IV injection of DEFINITY® contrast agent (1.5ml DEFINITY®/8.5ml saline) will be given. Continuous imaging will be obtained to record contrast inflow and washout. Perflutren Lipid Microsphere: Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound.
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
27 Participants
n=27 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants
n=27 Participants
Age, Continuous
55 years
n=27 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
5 Participants
n=27 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
22 Participants
n=27 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
27 Participants
n=27 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Operative period to one-week or hospital discharge (first occurring event)

Feasibility was defined as successful intravenous administration of perflutren lipid microsphere contrast agent and acquisition of interpretable intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) perfusion imaging during spinal decompressive surgery in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Acute Spinal Cord Injury Patients to Undergo Contrast-enhanced Imaging During Surgery.
n=27 Participants
Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound. A hand-held intraoperative ultrasound probe will be used to collect sagittal images of the spinal cord centered above the spinal cord injury. A bolus IV injection of DEFINITY® contrast agent (1.5ml DEFINITY®/8.5ml saline) will be given. Continuous imaging will be obtained to record contrast inflow and washout. Perflutren Lipid Microsphere: Perflutren lipid microsphere preparation is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound.
Feasibility of Intraoperative Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury - Number of Participants With Successful Intraoperative Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
27 Participants

Adverse Events

Acute Spinal Cord Injury Patients to Undergo Contrast-enhanced

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 5 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Amy Anderson BSN RN

University of Washington

Phone: 206-744-9364

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place