Dr. Emilio Quaia is research fellow at the University of Trieste, Italy and ECR research and education fund winner 2000 and 2004.

Basic Principles.- Classification and Safety of Microbubble-Based Contrast Agents.- Physical Basis and Principles of Action of Microbubble-based Contrast Agents.- Characterization and Design of Microbubble-Based Contrast Agents Suitable for Diagnostic Imaging.- Contrast-Specific Imaging Techniques: Technical Perspective.- Contrast-Specific Imaging Techniques: Methodological Point of View.- Biological Effects of Microbubble-Based Ultrasound Contrast Agents.- Vascular Applications.- Cerebral Vessels.- Carotid Arteries.- Detection of Endoleak After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.- Renal Arteries.- Abdominal Applications: Liver and Spleen.- Characterization of Focal Liver Lesions.- Detection of Focal Liver Lesions.- Guidance and Assessment of Interventional Therapy in Liver.- Applications of Ultrasound Microbubbles in the Spleen.- Abdominal Applications: Kidneys.- Characterization and Detection of Renal Tumors.- Detection of Renal Perfusion Defects.- Quantitative Analysis of Renal Perfusion at Contrast-Enhanced US.- Cardiac Applications.- Assessment of Regional Myocardial Blood Flow.- Assessment of Myocardial Blood Volume.- Special Topics.- Abdominal Traumas.- Breast.- Lymph Nodes.- Female Pelvis.- Vesicoureteral Reflux.- Pancreatic Pathology.- Intestinal Pathology.- Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound of the Prostate.- Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Rheumatic Joint Diseases.- Research Perspectives.- Quantitative Analysis of Parenchymal Flow at Contrast-Enhanced US.- Therapeutic Application of Microbubble-Based Agents.

This book provides a comprehensive account of the physical basis and the clinical applications of microbubble-based contrast agents. The principles underlying the use of specialized contrast-specific imaging techniques and the examination methodology are clearly described. The different clinical applications of microbubble-based agents are extensively explained with the aid of numerous high-quality illustrations, many of which are in color. In addition, research and therapeutic perspectives are addressed. All of the chapters are written by recognized experts in the field, ensuring that this volume will be of great value to everyone who has an interest in microbubble-based contrast agents, from physicists and researchers to clinical radiologists.