Contrast-enhanced dual mode imaging: photoacoustic imaging plus more

Abstract

Conventional biomedical imaging modalities inwide clinical use, such as ultrasound imaging, X-raycomputed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, andpositron emission tomography, can provide morphological,anatomical, and functional information about biologicaltissues. However, single mode imaging in conventionalmedicine provides only limited information for definitivediagnoses. Thus, combinational diagnosis using multipleimaging modalities has become increasingly important. Recently, photoacoustic imaging (PAI) has gained significantattention, and several PAI prototypes have been usedin clinical trials. At the same time, PAI has been tested incombination with conventional imaging modalities. For allthese imaging modalities, various contrast-enhancingagents have been developed for various purposes. In thisreview article, we will focus on recent progress in developingdual mode contrast agents for PAI in combinationwith other conventional imaging modalities.