Definity

Definity is an ultrasound contrast agent composed of perflutren lipid microspheres, which consist of octafluoropropane gas encapsulated within a phospholipid shell. Developed and manufactured by Lantheus Medical Imaging, it is FDA-approved for use in patients with suboptimal echocardiograms to enhance the visualization of the left ventricular chamber and improve the delineation of the left ventricular endocardial border. The microbubbles, which have a mean diameter of approximately 1.1 to 3.3 microns, function by increasing the backscatter of ultrasound waves, thereby providing superior contrast in diagnostic imaging. In the specific context of research at the University of Virginia, Definity is utilized as a diagnostic tool in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to evaluate microvascular and macrovascular health in adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes, specifically to assess the impact of fitness on vascular dysfunction.

Brand names

Definity

Other names

perflutren lipid microspheresoctafluoropropane