Ultrasonic techniques for molecular imaging

Molecular imaging employs the use of site-targeted contrast agents that, once bound, indicate the expression of a molecular signal uniquely associated with a specific disease state. Ultrasonic contrast agents including microbubbles, nanoparticles, and liposomes have been successfully targeted towards angiogenesis associated with tumor growth; inflammation associated with ischemic events; formation of thrombi associated with heart attack and stroke; atherosclerosis; and many other pathologies. Ultrasound has the unique property of being able to interact with tissue while simultaneously visualizing anatomical features and function. This ability makes ultrasound a unique tool for both visualization of pathology and for the potential delivery of drugs to specific locations within the body.