Targeted ultrasound imaging using microbubbles.
Targeted ultrasound imaging uses acoustically active contrast agents bearing a ligand on the surface that binds to a function-specific molecule. These ultrasound contrast agents are typically gas-filled microbubbles, nongaseous liposomes, or lipid-encapsulated perfluorocarbon emulsions. Binding of the contrast agent to the target results in persistent contrast enhancement during ultrasound imaging. This approach has been applied to the ultrasound imaging of pathophysiologic processes such as inflammation associated with ischemia reperfusion, heart transplant rejection, atherosclerotic plaque, thrombus, and apoptosis.
Villanueva
Flordeliza S
FS
Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. villanuevafs@msx.upmc.edu
Wagner
William R
WR
Vannan
Mani A
MA
Narula
Jagat
J
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002465:Cell Movement; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008024:Ligands; D045423:Microbubbles; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010316:Particle Size; D013552:Swine; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*
D008024:Ligands