ObjectiveTo explore the possibility of intrahepatic biliary perfusion by contrast enhanced ultrasonography via bile duct. MethodsSixteen rabbits weighing 2 000-2 500 g were studied. A 22 gauge catheter was inserted in the common bile duct by surgery. The rabbits were divided into 4 groups according to the concentration of contrast agent, including group A:1/100 of standard concentration; group B:1/200 of standard concentration; group C:1/400 of standard concentration; and group D:1/800 of standard concentration. We observed the filling status, presence of outflow of contrast enhanced signal and satisfactory enhanced time after the injection of contrast agent via the catheter in common bile duct. ResultsFive milliliter of contrast agent was injected in each rabbit. The number of homogeneous filling in group A, B, C and D was 4, 4, 3 and 0 respectively. The number of presence of outflow of contrast enhanced signal in group A, B, C and D was 4, 1, 0 and 0 respectively. The satisfactory enhanced time in group A, B, C and D was (340±29) s, (284±37) s, (82±8) s and 0 s respectively. There was no statistical difference in the satisfactory enhanced time between group A and B (P=0.06) while significant difference in the satisfactory enhanced time between group A and C (P < 0.01), and between group B and C (P < 0.01) was found. ConclusionIt is possible to perfuse the intrahepatic biliary system by sonographic contrast agents via bile duct, and 1/200 of standard concentration is a proper concentration of contrast agent to achieve satisfactory imaging.