Ultrasound contrast agents: clinical applications

Ultrasound contrast agents (USCA) for intravenous injections are usually ga s-filled microbubbles with a mean diameter less than that of a red blood co rpuscle. There are only a few products on the market at the time of this wr iting, but several companies have various agents under development. This pa per covers both established USCA on the market, and some new agents under c linical evaluation. The potential of improving ultrasound imaging using USC A depends on several factors. These factors include the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the products, which determine the effects th ey have on various ultrasound imaging techniques. Furthermore, the proper c linical application of the agents requires a combination of technical and m edical knowledge by the examiner, dedicated equipment, a disease that can b e diagnosed or characterised by ultrasound and USCA, and a cooperative pati ent. Taking into account these factors, USCA can be used for improving the detection, characterisation and follow-up of diseases of several vascular b eds and parenchymal organs from head to foot.