Microbubbles are intravenous contrast agents used in contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Microbubble contrast agent is different to the agitated saline contrast agent often used in echocardiographic studies.
Microbubbles consist of a gas surrounded by a lipid, lipopolymer, or polymer shell. They range from 2-10 µm.
Microbubble shells are metabolized in the liver and the gas is exhaled.
Contraindications
- right-to-left vascular shunt: pre-contrast screening not currently recommended
- allergic reaction
- intra-arterial injection
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