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Targeted imaging using ultrasound
Author(s) -
Dayton Paul A.,
Ferrara Katherine W.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.10173
Subject(s) - ultrasound , magnetic resonance imaging , microbubbles , echogenicity , molecular imaging , medicine , contrast enhanced ultrasound , contrast (vision) , lymphatic system , biomedical engineering , radiology , pathology , computer science , in vivo , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , artificial intelligence
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. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:362–377. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.