Mikrobubblikontrastteja

Mikrobubblikontrastteja are gas-filled microbubble contrast agents used in ultrasound imaging to improve visualization of blood flow and tissue perfusion. They are administered intravenously as a ready-to-use suspension and are designed to remain within the intravascular space during imaging.

Each microbubble has a gas core surrounded by a stabilizing shell, which can be lipid, protein, or polymer based. The gas core typically comprises sulfur hexafluoride, octafluoropropane, or other perfluorocarbons chosen for stability under clinical ultrasound. When exposed to acoustic energy, the bubbles rapidly respond by oscillating and producing strong, nonlinear echoes. This enables harmonic and contrast-enhanced imaging at lower ultrasound power, reducing artifacts and improving delineation of vessels and perfused tissue.

Common applications include echocardiography for assessment of cardiac chambers and perfusion, vascular imaging of the liver, kidney, and spleen, and tumor perfusion studies. In research settings, targeted or ligand-bearing microbubbles are explored for molecular imaging of specific receptors or processes.

Administration and safety: microbubble contrast agents are typically given by intravenous bolus or short infusion, followed by saline flush. Most agents are well tolerated; reported adverse events are usually transient and mild, but serious hypersensitivity or cardiorespiratory reactions are rare. They are contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to the agent components; certain severe cardiopulmonary conditions require caution and professional judgment.

Regulatory status: multiple agents have regulatory approval in different regions (for example Definity, Optison, SonoVue/Lumason). Ongoing developments include higher stability formulations and targeted microbubbles for diagnostic and potential therapeutic applications.