Functional ultrasound neuroimaging: a review of the preclinical and clinical state of the art. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deffieux, Thomas; Demene, Charlie; Pernot, Mathieu; Tanter, Mickael
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in neurobiology. Volume 50(2018)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 135
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Neurobiology -- Periodicals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-4388

Abstract

Graphical abstract: The main applications and features of functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging. fUS imaging provides (i) a compatibility with a wide range of animal models for preclinical studies, (ii) the ability to image awake and freely moving animals, (iii) possibility to combine with super-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy, (iv) possible extension to 3D imaging, (v) functional connectivity mapping for brain connectomics, (vi) translation to clinical neuroimaging in human neonates or (vii) peroperative neuroimaging during brain surgery and (viii) EEG compatibility for EEG-fUS recordings. Highlights: Ultrafast plane wave ultrasound allows high sensitivity flow imaging in the brain. fUS (functional ultrasound) imaging provides whole-brain functional imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution. fUS imaging can be used in combination with EEG in awake freely moving animals. fUS imaging can be used for functional brain connectomics and pharmacological studies. fUS imaging has a high potential for rapid translation to clinical neuroimaging. Abstract : In the last decade, ultrasound imaging has gained new capabilities and produced new insights in the field of neuroscience. The development of new concepts, such as ultrafast ultrasound, has enhanced Doppler sensitivity by orders of magnitude and has paved the way for ultrasonic functional neuroimaging. In this review, we position ultrasound in the field of neuroimaging and discuss how it complements current tools available to neurobiologists and clinicians.