Ultrasound enhancing agents in cardiovascular imaging: expanding horizons beyond coronary arteries

Abstract

Abstract From its inception as a two-dimensional snapshot of the beating heart, echocardiography has become an indelible part of cardiovascular diagnostics. The integration of ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) marks a pivotal transition, enhancing its diagnostic acumen beyond myocardial perfusion. These agents have refined echocardiography's capacity to visualize complex cardiac anatomy and pathology with unprecedented clarity, especially in non-coronary artery disease contexts. UEAs aid in detailed assessments of myocardial viability, endocardial border delineation in left ventricular opacification, and identification of intracardiac masses. Recent innovations in UEAs, accompanied by advancements in echocardiographic technology, offer clinicians a more nuanced view of cardiac function and blood flow dynamics. This review explores recent developments in these applications and future contemplated studies. Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs)
• Sonothrombolysis
• Microvascular obstruction (MVO)
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Cardiovascular diagnostics