Harmonic Power Doppler Contrast Echocardiography: Preliminary Experimental Results

This preliminary experimental study demonstrates the potential usefulness of harmonic power Doppler imaging in producing left ventricular myocardial opacification and demonstrating intramyocardial coronary vessels during contrast echocardiography using Levovist, a saccharide-based contrast agent. The contrast effect was most dramatic when a vasodilator such as dipyridamole or nitroglycerin was used in conjunction with contrast injections of Levovist. No significant myocardial opacification was noted with B-mode harmonic imaging alone.