Sonazoid + Sonovue

Sonazoid + Sonovue is a combination of two ultrasound contrast agents used in diagnostic imaging, particularly for the characterization of focal liver lesions such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). - **Sonazoid** consists of perfluorobutane gas microbubbles encapsulated by a phospholipid shell. It acts as both an intravascular and Kupffer cell agent; after intravenous injection, it circulates in the vascular system and is subsequently taken up by Kupffer cells in the liver, enabling both vascular-phase and Kupffer-phase imaging. - **SonoVue** contains sulfur hexafluoride gas microbubbles with a phospholipid shell. It functions purely as an intravascular agent, providing only vascular-phase imaging without significant uptake by hepatic macrophages. Both agents enhance ultrasound images by increasing echogenicity within blood vessels or specific tissue compartments. Their mechanisms differ due to their pharmacokinetics—Sonovue remains confined to the vasculature while Sonazoid allows additional postvascular phase imaging due to its uptake by Kupffer cells[2][3][4]. This combination may be used sequentially or comparatively for improved diagnostic accuracy or research purposes.

Brand names

SonoVueSonazoid

Other names

perflubutane microbubbles + sulfur hexafluoride microbubblesGE Healthcare contrast agent + Bracco contrast agent