Contrast Media In Ultrasonography

Examines in detail the different clinical applications of microbubble-based contrast agents. Explains the principles underlying the use of contrast-specific imaging techniques and the examination methodology. Contains numerous high-quality illustrations, including many in color. Written by recognized experts.

Examines in detail the different clinical applications of microbubble-based contrast agents. Explains the principles underlying the use of contrast-specific imaging techniques and the examination methodology. Contains numerous high-quality illustrations, including many in color. Written by recognized experts.

A different approach to contrast media, discussed primarily from the point of view of the radiologist. Comprehensive sections are devoted to iodinated contrast media and to the contrast media employed in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. The latest agents available receive due attention, as do adverse reactions. A final section considers the use of contrast media in nuclear medicine.

The value of ultrasound contrast agents (USCA) in everyday clinical practice depends on the pharmacokinetics, the signal processing, and the contrast-specific imaging modalities. Second-generation USCA, are blood pool agents that do not leak into the organ tissue to be examined but remain in the intravascular compartment increasing the Doppler signal amplitude during their dynamic vascular phase. Taking advantage of the stability of their microbubbles, they can withstand the acoustic pressure of insonation much better than first-generation contrast media, which results in an increased half-life of the agent and, consequently, in a prolonged diagnostic window. Concomitant with the improvement of contrast agents, different contrast-specific imaging modalities have been developed which, used in combination with USCA and a low mechanical index, allow continuous real-time grey-scale imaging. These recent technical improvements have opened new possibilities in the use of USCA in a variety of indications. Written by internationally renowned experts, the contributions gathered in this book give an overview of current and possible future new applications of USCA in routine and clinical practice.

Recent advancements in nano/micro materials and related characterization approaches allow the design of a new type of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) with enhanced multifunctional behaviour. This is chance is also supported by the recent achievements in modelling and signal processing. This book provides the state of art of the research activity of two successful European projects, TAMIRUT and SIGHT, addressing an integrated system, encompassing the contrast agent, the hardware equipment and the processing strategies, as a key tool for a combined diagnostic and therapeutic approaches (theranostics) in medical ultrasound. The work provides a highlight of the state of art in the research of novel ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs). Main progresses on the multifunctional aspects of next-generation UCAs concern targeting and drug release properties, perfusion and biointerface behaviour, ultrasound scattering performance, signal processing, electronic equipment.

This is the third edition of a very successful book that originally emerged from the work of a committee set up by the European Society of Urogenital Radiology in 1994 to consider the safety of contrast media used for diagnostic imaging. The new edition not only fully updates the previous edition, but also includes new chapters on complex topics such as pediatric issues and practical aspects of off-label contrast media use. Comprehensive consideration is given to the many different safety issues relating to iodine-based contrast media, gadolinium-based contrast media, microbubbles for ultrasound, and barium sulfate. The text includes chapters on both acute and delayed non-renal adverse reactions and on renal adverse reactions. All of the questions frequently raised in radiological practice are addressed. This book, presented in a handy, easy-to-use format, provides an invaluable, unique, and unparalleled source of information.

Contrast agents for medical ultrasound imaging is a field of growing interest. A large amount of literature has been published on the medical applications of such contrast agents. However, there is no textbook giving a broad overview of the physics and acoustics of the agents. This monograph aims to fill this gap. The book is written by a physicist, from a physics point of view, and it tries to draw links from the physics and acoustics to the medical imaging methods, but medical applications are mainly included for background information. The book consists of nine chapters. The first three chapters give a broad overview of the acoustic theory for bubble-sound interaction, both linear and nonlinear. Most contrast agents are stabilized in a shell, and this shell can have a strong influence on the interaction between the bubbles and the ultrasound. The effect of the shell is given special attention, as this is not easily found in other bubble literature. The following chapters, 4, 5, 6, and 7, describe experimental and theoretical methods used to characterize the acoustic properties of the agents, and results of studies on some agents. Chapter 8 shows how the theory and the experimental results can be combined and used to model various phenomena by means of computer simulations. The main purpose of the simulations is to get insight into the mechanisms behind the described phenomena, not to get accurate predictions and values. The book is aimed at both newcomers into the field, as well as those who are more experienced but want better insight into the acoustics of the contrast bubbles.