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New professional society aims to enhance understanding of contrast ultrasound
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An interdisciplinary professional society focusing exclusively on contrast ultrasound imaging has been launched.
The International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) seated its first executive board and announced its mission during the opening session of the 23rd Annual International Conference of Contrast Ultrasound Specialists in Chicago.
“The formation of ICUS is a truly historic development in this field,” Barry Goldberg, MD, co-president of ICUS and professor of radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, said in a press release. “Now, for the first time ever, there is an organization that provides a forum for cross-specialty communication and collaboration among contrast ultrasound professional worldwide.”
The mission of ICUS includes improving the safe and efficacious use of contrast ultrasound agents and imaging; providing an interspecialty forum to promote education and research of contrast ultrasound agents and imaging; facilitating communication among disciplines regarding the use of ultrasound contrast agents; and promoting education of the public and awareness within the medical community about the benefits of the safe and efficacious use of contrast ultrasound agents and imaging.
The formation of the society followed a 2007 FDA decision to limit the use of contrast ultrasound agents. The FDA reversed the decision in May 2008 after receiving opposition from many contrast ultrasound specialists and other practitioners who presented data supporting the use and lifesaving potential of improved contrast ultrasound agents.