Microbubble Ultrasound Contrast Agents in the Visualization of Peripheral Vasculature in 'Doppler Rescue': A Review

Abstract

Microbubble ultrasound contrast agents were developed for use in the macrovascular circulation as an adjunct to a colour Doppler ultrasound examination — 'Doppler-rescue'. Although technical developments and the unique behavior of microbubble contrast in the liver have eclipsed the original perceived use, there remains an important role for microbubble contrast in the peripheral vasculature. This review details the applications of microbubble contrast agents in 'Doppler-rescue', with illustrations of important disease processes suitable for examination with microbubble contrast in order to reduce further radiological investigations.

Surveillance of a coiled renal artery aneurysm by contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Definity

“…7-12 CEUS has gained clinical recognition for a variety of imaging applications. [7][8][9][10][11] In cardiology, CEUS is used to improve the accuracy of echocardiograms and to facilitate the evaluation of myocardial perfusion. 12 In body imaging, CEUS is used to detect and characterize focal parenchymal pathology and to assess inflammatory activity in Crohn's disease.…”