Ultrasound molecular imaging: insights into cardiovascular pathology

Koya Ozawa, Jonathan R. Lindner

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    11 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Similar to what has already occurred in cancer medicine, the management of cardiovascular conditions will likely be improved by non-invasive molecular imaging technologies that can provide earlier or more accurate diagnosis. These techniques are already having a positive impact in pre-clinical research by providing insight into pathophysiology or efficacy of new therapies. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEU) molecular imaging is a technique that relies on the ultrasound detection of targeted microbubble contrast agents to examine molecular or cellular events that occur at the blood pool-endothelial interface. CEU molecular imaging techniques have been developed that are able to provide unique information on atherosclerosis, ischemia reperfusion injury, angiogenesis, vascular inflammation, and thrombus formation. Accordingly, CEU has the potential to be used in a wide variety of circumstances to detect disease early or at the bedside, and to guide appropriate therapy based on vascular phenotype. This review will describe the physical basis for CEU molecular imaging, and the specific disease processes for the pre-clinical translational research experience.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)86-93
    Number of pages8
    JournalJournal of Echocardiography
    Volume18
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jun 1 2020

    Keywords

    • Cardiovascular disease
    • Contrast-enhanced ultrasound
    • Molecular imaging
    • Targeted microbubbles

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Ultrasound molecular imaging: insights into cardiovascular pathology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this