Different microbubble ultrasound contrast agents have been approved for abdominal and cardiac applications, and their use has increased over recent years. Experimental studies with high power ultrasound beams have shown that microbubbles produce bioeffects in the cells of nearby tissues as a result of cavitation. To prevent these effects, the power of the ultrasound beam should be kept below the cavitation threshold. Clinically, most adverse reactions result in minor, self-resolving events such as headache, nausea, altered taste, and a sensation of heat. Anaphylactoid reactions, however, may rarely occur and usually resolve spontaneously or with symptomatic treatment. In a few cases anaphylactoid reactions may be severe, or even fatal. Despite this, microbubble contrast agents are safe by any reasonable standard, and certainly are safe compared to iodine- and gadolinium based contrast agents.
Ultrasonographic Contrast MediaContrast Media
BERTOLOTTO, MICHELE;
2014-01-01
Abstract
Different microbubble ultrasound contrast agents have been approved for abdominal and cardiac applications, and their use has increased over recent years. Experimental studies with high power ultrasound beams have shown that microbubbles produce bioeffects in the cells of nearby tissues as a result of cavitation. To prevent these effects, the power of the ultrasound beam should be kept below the cavitation threshold. Clinically, most adverse reactions result in minor, self-resolving events such as headache, nausea, altered taste, and a sensation of heat. Anaphylactoid reactions, however, may rarely occur and usually resolve spontaneously or with symptomatic treatment. In a few cases anaphylactoid reactions may be severe, or even fatal. Despite this, microbubble contrast agents are safe by any reasonable standard, and certainly are safe compared to iodine- and gadolinium based contrast agents.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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