Overview
Sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles are an intravascular ultrasound contrast agent that enhances blood pool echogenicity to assess perfusion and vascularity.
Properties
Encapsulated gas microbubbles remain intravascular, provide strong nonlinear acoustic response, and are eliminated via the lungs.
Uses
Used for echocardiography, liver lesion characterization and targeted perfusion studies in ultrasound imaging.
Safety
Generally well tolerated; contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity and used cautiously in unstable cardiopulmonary conditions; rare serious cardiopulmonary reactions reported.