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Lipid-coated ultrastable microbubbles as a contrast agent in neurosonography
R H Simon1, S Y Ho, J D'Arrigo
1Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032.
Investigative Radiology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Lipid-coated microbubbles demonstrate superior longevity in vivo compared to saline microbubbles. This enhanced stability suggests their potential as a valuable contrast agent for neurosonography.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Radiology
Background:
- Lipid-coated microbubbles offer potential as ultrasonic contrast agents.
- These microbubbles exhibit significant in vitro and in vivo longevity.
- Controlled manufacturing yields microbubbles with a mean diameter of approximately 2 microns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vivo survival of lipid-coated microbubbles against saline-produced microbubbles.
- To evaluate the longevity of these microbubbles in different rat brain environments.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized lipid-coated microbubbles and saline microbubbles.
- Administered microbubbles via direct intraparenchymal injection and into a created cyst/coagulum in rat brains.
- Monitored echogenic enhancement over time using sonography.
Main Results:
- Lipid-coated microbubbles showed echogenic enhancement persisting over 24 hours in both intraparenchymal and cyst/coagulum environments.
- Saline microbubble echos were undetectable by 3 hours in cyst/coagulum and by 2 hours in the parenchyma.
- Lipid-coated microbubbles exhibited significantly longer in vivo survival.
Conclusions:
- Lipid-coated microbubbles possess superior in vivo longevity compared to saline microbubbles.
- Their prolonged echogenic enhancement supports their utility in neurosonography.
- This agent shows promise as a clinical contrast material for brain imaging.