Year: 2002
Type: review
Abstract: The discipline of medical imaging is expanding to include both traditional anatomic modalities and new techniques for the functional assessment of the presence and extent of disease. Current FDA-approved ultrasound contrast agents are micron-sized bubbles with a stabilizing shell. Microbubble contrast agents can be used to estimate microvascular flow rate in a manner similar to dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The concentration of these agents within the vasculature, reticulo-endothelial, or lymphatic systems produces an effective passive targeting of these areas. Liquid-filled nanoparticles and liposomes have also demonstrated echogenicity and are under evaluation as ultrasound contrast agents. Actively targeted ultrasound relies on specially designed contrast agents to localize the targeted molecular signature or physiologic system. These agents typically remain within the vascular space, and therefore possible targets include molecular markers on thrombus, endothelial cells, and leukocytes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the requirements, challenges, current progress, and future directions of targeted imaging with ultrasound.
DOI: 10.1002/jmri.10173
Authors: Paul A. Dayton, Katherine W. Ferrara
Institution: University of California, Davis
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2063484869