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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for molecular imaging of angiogenesis

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 South 10th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    J. R. Eisenbrey & F. Forsberg

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  1. J. R. Eisenbrey
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  2. F. Forsberg
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Correspondence to F. Forsberg.

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Eisenbrey, J.R., Forsberg, F. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for molecular imaging of angiogenesis. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 37 (Suppl 1), 138–146 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-010-1449-6

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