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Ultrasound Molecular Imaging: Principles and Applications in Cardiovascular Medicine

  • Echocardiography (JM Gardin and AH Waller, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Non-invasive molecular imaging is currently used as a research technique to better understand disease pathophysiology. There are also many potential clinical applications where molecular imaging may provide unique information that allows either earlier or more definitive diagnosis, or can guide precision medicine-based decisions on therapy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) with targeted microbubble contrast agents is one such technique that has been developed that has the unique properties of providing rapid information and revealing information only on events that occur within the vascular space.

Recent Findings

CEU molecular probes have been developed for a wide variety of disease states including atherosclerosis, vascular inflammation, thrombosis, tumor neovascularization, and ischemic injury. While the technique has not yet been adapted to clinical use, it has been used to reveal pathological processes, to identify new therapeutic targets, and to test the efficacy of novel treatments.

Summary

This review will explore the physical basis for CEU molecular imaging, its strengths and limitations compared to other molecular imaging modalities, and the pre-clinical translational research experience.

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Funding

Mr. Brown is supported by grant 18PRE33960532 from the American Heart Association; Dr. Lindner is supported by grants R01-HL078610, R01-HL120046, and P51-OD011092 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Eran Brown

  2. Knight Cardiovascular Institute, UHN-62, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA

    Eran Brown & Jonathan R. Lindner

  3. Oregon National Primate Research Center (J.R.L.), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Jonathan R. Lindner

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Correspondence to Jonathan R. Lindner.

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Eran Brown grants from American Heart Association (Grant: 18PRE33960532).

Jonathan R. Lindner reports grants from GE Lifesciences.

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Brown, E., Lindner, J.R. Ultrasound Molecular Imaging: Principles and Applications in Cardiovascular Medicine. Curr Cardiol Rep 21, 30 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1117-9

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