A review of ultrasound contrast media

Abstract

Efforts have been made over the last five decades to create effective ultrasonic contrast media (UCM) for cardiac and noncardiac applications. The initial UCM was established in the 1980s, following publications from the 1960s that detailed the discovery of ultrasonic contrast enhancement using small gaseous bubbles in echocardiographic examinations. An ideal contrast medium for echography should be nontoxic, capable of being injected intravenously, able to travel through pulmonary, cardiac, and capillary circulations, and stable for recirculation. Examples of current commercial contrast media include Definity, Optison, Sonazoid, and SonoVue, which have demonstrated potential for various clinical purposes, both on- and off-label. Several possible UCMs have been developed or are in progress. Advancements in comprehending the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of microbubbles have significantly improved the visualization of tumor blood vessels, the identification of areas with reduced blood supply, and the enhanced detection of narrowed blood vessels. Innovative advances are expected to enhance future applications such as ultrasonic molecular imaging and therapeutic utilization of microbubbles.