Basic Principles of Molecular Imaging

Molecular Ultrasound Imaging for the Detection of Neural Inflammation: A Longitudinal Dosing Pilot Study

“…15,16 This is also known as active targeting and enables CEUS imaging to descend from the structural to the molecular level. 17,18 Molecular ultrasound imaging has potential to be used for the detection of pathophysiologic processes, as well as providing early identification of the development of advancing pathology. 19 Ultrasound contrast agents are intravascular; thus, they are ideal for targeting molecules expressed on the endothelial surface.…”

“…In addition to being used as a diagnostic tool, molecular ultrasound imaging possesses the capabilities to be used as an indirect measure of treatment effects. [17][18][19]33 This could be accomplished by performing repeated molecular ultrasound imaging studies longitudinally on an individual undergoing a particular treatment. Because sonography is performed in the absence of ionizing radiation, it is easily tolerated by patients and is cost-effective compared with other imaging techniques, making it ideal for performing repeated examinations.…”

“…Because sonography is performed in the absence of ionizing radiation, it is easily tolerated by patients and is cost-effective compared with other imaging techniques, making it ideal for performing repeated examinations. 3,10,12,18 Comparative studies could provide information regarding therapeutic effectiveness, thereby affording clinicians the ability to tailor patient treatments if needed. 17,20,34 If implemented, this strategy will likely enhance patient care and serve as a form of more personalized medicine.…”

Detection of Intraneural Median Nerve Microvascularity Using Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography

“…After multiple years of in vitro and in vivo research, properties of ultrasound contrast agents have been well established. They are used extensively in situations in which knowledge of vascular circulation is important, as this form of contrast agent is restricted to the vascular compartment 21 – 28 . Currently, contrast‐enhanced sonography is widely used in Europe and Asia for detecting enhanced perfusion at the tissue level 29 .…”

“…Currently, contrast‐enhanced sonography is widely used in Europe and Asia for detecting enhanced perfusion at the tissue level 29 . Because of the small size of the microbubbles contained in ultrasound contrast agents, these agents have proven beneficial in their ability to detect circulation in the macrovasculature and microvasculature, where it can be detected with high sensitivity and specificity 21 – 23 , 26 , 28 . This advantage has resulted in the adoption of contrast‐enhanced sonography for detection of a hyperemic response into the area of musculoskeletal sonography.…”