2 The technology

2 The technology

2.1 SonoVue (Bracco UK), a pharmaceutical agent for diagnostic use only, is a contrast agent involving sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles. It is indicated for contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging in adults when unenhanced imaging has been inconclusive. SonoVue has a European marketing authorisation for use in echocardiography, doppler imaging of macrovasculature (for example, cerebral arteries) and of microvasculature (for example, breast and liver lesions). Following input during the scoping phase of the evaluation, this evaluation focuses on the use of SonoVue for liver imaging. Additional details of the clinical condition and the technology are provided in sections 3 and 4 respectively.

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)