Technology overview: SonoVue (Bracco, Milan)

Ultrasound contrast agents introduced to sonography the possibility to demonstrate microvascular organization and parenchymal perfusion. In combination with modern contrast-specific imaging modalities, contrast agent signals can be separated from tissue-derived signals, allowing the detection of extremely small quantities of contrast agent. The following article describes the physical principles for the creation of contrast-specific signals, the particular physicochemical characteristics of SonoVue, a second-generation ultrasound contrast agent, and the resulting possibilities for the assessment of physiological functions.