title: Ultrasound contrast imaging research.
abstract: This article is a review of the research on ultrasound contrast agents in general imaging. While general imaging contrast agent applications are still undergoing investigation and waiting FDA approval in the United States, they are approved for clinical use in Europe and other countries. The contrast microbubble properties are described, including their nonlinear behavior and destruction properties. Imaging techniques like harmonic imaging, pulse inversion, power pulse inversion, agent detection imaging, microvascular imaging, and flash contrast imaging are explained. A connection is made between the aforementioned imaging techniques and the different contrast agents available. The blood flow appearance of different liver tumors in the presence of contrast agents is demonstrated with examples.
authors.affiliation: Philips Medical Systems/Philips Ultrasound, Bothell, Washington 98041-3003, USA. mike.averkiou@philips.com
authors.forename: Michalakis
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Averkiou
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Powers
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Skyba
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008863:Microspheres; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media