Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging of the liver

Ultrasound (US) contrast materials have been studied since the 1960s for cardiac and noncardiac indications. It is clear that US microbubble contrast agents are effective and safe and augment the US signal manifold. Recent advances in US have allowed better characterization of pathologic lesions by using these modalities. Contrast-enhanced US is now on the brink of FDA approval for noncardiac imaging in the United States. The purpose of this article is to review the principles of imaging with US contrast agents and, specifically, focus on their role in the evaluation of liver disease.