01-08-2010
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for molecular imaging of angiogenesis
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Special Issue 1/2010
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Introduction
Molecular imaging of angiogenesis using contrast-enhanced ultrasound allows for functional, real-time, inexpensive imaging of angiogenesis. The addition of stabilized microbubbles as contrast agents greatly improves ultrasound signal to noise ratio/signal strength/image quality (up to 25 dB) and allows for imaging of angiogenic vasculature.
Methods
In this article recent advances in the usage of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for molecular imaging of angiogenesis are reviewed.
Results
The usage of commercially available agents and correlations between their imaging parameters and molecular markers of angiogenesis are reviewed. Recent developments in ultrasound contrast agents targeted to angiogenic markers for both diagnosis and monitoring are discussed. Finally, a brief overview of the emerging field of chemotherapeutic-loaded agents, which can be used with ultrasound-triggered drug delivery, is provided.