Contrast agents in diagnostic ultrasound.
We review the field of contrast agents in diagnostic ultrasound. The progress in the development of various classes of contrast agents such as free and encapsulated gas bubbles, colloidal suspensions, emulsions, and aqueous solutions is described. The mechanisms for production of backscatter contrast, as well as attenuation contrast and speed of sound contrast are explained. Finally, the potential advantages and disadvantages of various classes of contrast agents are compared.
Ophir
J
J
University of Texas Medical School, Department of Radiology, Houston 77030.
Parker
K J
KJ
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D055585:Physical Phenomena; D010825:Physics; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media