Basic Properties of Ultrasound Contrast Agents

The acronym CEUS refers to contrast-enhanced ultrasound techniques. In this chapter, we describe the composition, basic properties and physics behind currently available ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs). Today CEUS easily allows real-time recording and evaluation of the wash-in and wash-out phases of the UCA over several minutes. The main diagnostic features are vascular architecture (evaluated in the early wash-in phase) and contrast enhancement of the lesion compared to the adjacent tissue. Special care was taken to discuss artefacts, their appearance and how to avoid them. UCA application, specific imaging techniques (e.g. CEUS-guided interventions, paediatric patients and newborns, extravascular-intracavitary use and quantification) and safety issues are also discussed in depth.