Contrast-enhanced echocardiography: review and current role

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Contrast echocardiography has seen significant advancements in the last decade.
• Newer stable contrast agents and advanced ultrasound techniques like second harmonic and transient response imaging have improved its capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the evolution of contrast echocardiography into a promising non-invasive perfusion technique.
• To discuss the transition from qualitative to quantitative and from intra-arterial to intravenous approaches.
• To present novel applications of contrast echocardiography in cardiovascular assessment.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing stable contrast agents.
• Employing advanced ultrasound imaging techniques, including second harmonic and transient response imaging.
• Developing quantitative analysis methods for myocardial perfusion.

Main Results:

• Contrast echocardiography has evolved into a promising non-invasive perfusion technique.
• The technique is transitioning towards quantitative assessments and intravenous administration.
• Novel applications are emerging for myocardial perfusion assessment and coronary artery disease evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Contrast echocardiography is rapidly advancing as a non-invasive diagnostic tool.
• Its evolution enables quantitative myocardial perfusion assessment and improved cardiac function definition.
• Emerging applications show great promise for diagnosing and evaluating cardiovascular conditions like myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease.