Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging and in Vivo Circulatory Kinetics with Low-Boiling-Point Nanoscale Phase-Change Perfluorocarbon Agents

Many studies have explored phase-change contrast agents (PCCAs) that can be vaporized by an ultrasonic pulse to form microbubbles for ultrasound imaging and therapy. However, few investigations have been published demonstrating the utility and characteristics of PCCAs as contrast agents in vivo. In this study, we examine the properties of low boiling point nanoscale PCCAs evaluated in vivo, and compare data to conventional microbubbles with respect to contrast generation and circulation properties. In order to do this, we develop a custom pulse sequence to vaporize and image PCCAs using the Verasonics research platform and a clinical array transducer. Results show that droplets can produce similar contrast enhancement to microbubbles (7.29 to 18.24 dB over baseline, depending on formulation), and can be designed to circulate for as much as 3.3 times longer than microbubbles. This study also demonstrates for the first time the ability to capture contrast wash-out kinetics of the target organ as a measure of vascular perfusion