SonoVue® is used as the contrast agent for contrast-enhanced ultrasound. This is a contrast agent that has been used for several years. It consists of a solution of microscopically small microbubbles and normal saline solution. It was developed to visualise the blood in ultrasound and thus to be able to better assess the blood flow in certain organs or the blood flow in vessels. The microbubbles consist of a non-toxic, very stable gas (sulphur hexafluoride), which is almost completely exhaled through the lungs within a few minutes. The envelope of the bubbles consists of a fatty material. This means that there is no risk of damage to the kidneys or liver.

Schematic representation of a blood vessel with red blood cells (erythrocytes) and ultrasound contrast agent bubbles (shown in blue and yellow), which help to improve the sonifiability of blood vessels in the human body and thus enable the examining doctor to assess whether a structure in the human body is well or poorly perfused.

Ultrasound contrast agents remain exclusively in the bloodstream and cannot leave it due to their properties. The bubbles help to better visualise the blood flow in blood vessels.

No side effects have been observed to date. According to clinical studies, pain at the injection site may occasionally occur in addition to headaches and nausea. Rarely, allergic reactions, vasodilation, pain, pharyngitis, dizziness, taste disturbances, blurred vision and increased blood sugar levels may also occur.