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European Journal of Echocardiography 2004 5(4):245-246; doi:10.1016/j.euje.2004.02.001
© 2004 by European Society of Cardiology
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Copyright © 2004, The European Society of Cardiology

Microbubbles and ultrasound: from diagnosis to therapy

P.A Dijkmansa,*, L.J.M Juffermansa,b, R.J.P Mustersb, A van Wamelc, F.J ten Catec, W van Gilstd, C.A Vissera, N de Jongc and O Kampa

aDepartment of Cardiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
bLaboratory for Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
cErasmus Medical Center, Thorax Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
dUniversity Hospital Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

Received 3 November 2003; received in revised form 3 February 2004; accepted after revision 4 February 2004.

pa.dijkmans{at}vumc.nl

* Corresponding author. Department of Cardiology 6N-120, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31-20-444-2244; fax: +31-20-444-2446.


  Abstract

The development of ultrasound contrast agents, containing encapsulated microbubbles, has increased the possibilities for diagnostic imaging. Ultrasound contrast agents are currently used to enhance left ventricular opacification, increase Doppler signal intensity, and in myocardial perfusion imaging. Diagnostic imaging with contrast agents is performed with low acoustic pressure using non-linear reflection of ultrasound waves by microbubbles. Ultrasound causes bubble destruction, which lowers the threshold for cavitation, resulting in microstreaming and increased permeability of cell membranes. Interestingly, this mechanism can be used for delivery of drugs or genes into tissue. Microbubbles have been shown to be capable of carrying drugs and genes, and destruction of the bubbles will result in local release of their contents. Recent studies demonstrated the potential of microbubbles and ultrasound in thrombolysis. In this article, we will review the recent advances of microbubbles as a vehicle for delivery of drugs and genes, and discuss possible therapeutic applications in thrombolysis.

Keywords: Ultrasound; Contrast agents; Therapy; Drug delivery; Targeted microbubbles; Thrombolysis


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