Abstract
Ultrasound imaging has long demonstrated utility in the study and measurement of anatomic features and noninvasive observation of blood flow. Within the last decade, advances in molecular biology and contrast agents have allowed researchers to use ultrasound to detect changes in the expression of molecular markers on the vascular endothelium and other intravascular targets. This new technology, referred to as ultrasonic molecular imaging, is still in its infancy. However, in preclinical studies, ultrasonic molecular imaging has shown promise in assessing angiogenesis, inflammation, and thrombus. In this review, we discuss recent advances in microbubble-type contrast agent development, ultrasound technology, and signal processing strategies that have the potential to substantially improve the capabilities and utility of ultrasonic molecular imaging.
Highlights
Contrast AgentsThe fundamental enabling technology for ultrasonic molecular imaging is the contrast agent
Ultrasound imaging has long demonstrated utility in the study and measurement of anatomic features and noninvasive observation of blood flow
Standard ultrasound imaging is well suited for assessment of anatomic features and measurement of blood flow in large vessels; there is no mechanism by which non– contrast-enhanced ultrasound can detect changes in physiology on a molecular level
Summary
The fundamental enabling technology for ultrasonic molecular imaging is the contrast agent. Contrast agents for ultrasound imaging include microbubbles,[1,2,3,4,5,6] echogenic liposomes,[7,8,9] perfluorocarbon droplets,[10,11,12] and other materials such as gold particles,[13] which have a density and compressibility substantially different from that of blood and tissue. It is for this reason that encapsulated microbubbles are the most prevalent form of contrast agent, and they are currently the only type of ultrasound contrast agent approved for clinical use in the United
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