Nano-Structured and Micro-Structured Materials as Contrast Agents in Echocardiography

Radiology Department, Paramedical Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51368, Iran

*Corresponding author: Ramin Ghasemi Shayan, Radiology Department, Paramedical Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51368, Iran, Tel: +9891457551093, ORCID: 0000-0002-7850-0756, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: June 10, 2024

Published Date: August 02, 2024

Citation: Shayan RM, et al. (2024). Nano-Structured and Micro-Structured Materials as Contrast Agents in Echocardiography. Mathews J Case Rep. 9(7):176.

Copyrights: Shayan RM, et al. (2024).

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound imaging is a safe and effective technique used to visualize essential organs due to its significant tissue penetration depth. Echocardiography, a specialized application of ultrasound, has seen substantial advancements over the years and is now widely used to diagnose various cardiac disorders, including cardiac transplant rejection and ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Ultrasound contrast agents are primarily categorized into two types: 1) microbubble-based contrast agents and 2) non-microbubble-based contrast agents. Microbubbles, typically 1 to 4 microns in size, are gas-liquid emulsions with a gaseous core encased in a shell. Our study involved an extensive review of literature, including 34 articles from PubMed, 52 articles from Google Scholar, and 17 articles from ScienceDirect, focusing on nano/micro contrast materials and their applications in echocardiography. Articles were selectively omitted based on relevance, specifically excluding those with limited applications or those focusing on diverse contrast agents rather than nano contrast agents. Ultimately, 24 articles were thoroughly analyzed, emphasizing the use of contrast agents in ultrasound and echocardiography.

Key words: Echocardiography, Ultrasound, Contrast media, Nanoparticles, Imaging.