In vitro Evaluation of a New Echographic Contrast Agent

Abstract

Background: So far, intravenously injected echographic contrast agents have not been able to overcome the lung circle, and their use was confined to the study of right-sided heart abnormalities. A new agent that is able to pass the pulmonary barrier has been manufactured, and it is currently under investigation in ophthalmology. Methods: A saccharide-based contrast agent (SHU 454) that is not able to overcome the lung filter has been compared in vitro with a new saccharide-based contrast agent (SHU 508 A) that is able to overcome the pulmonary barrier. They have been diluted in saline solution, and the reflectivity of the solution and the eventual sound attenuation have been studied with standardized A scan and a tissue model. Results: The solution with SHU 508 showed a higher reflectivity that lasted longer, without significant sound attenuation. Conclusions: The long-lasting period of the increased reflectivity will allow to better evaluate the normal and pathological vascular network in the eye and orbit, such as the evaluation of the effectiveness of conservative treatment in cases of malignant melanoma with a spread of the indications of standardized echography to other fields of ophthalmology.