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[Contrast echocardiography: clinical applications and future prospects]
1John Radcliffe Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Oxford, UK. Harald.Becher@orh.nhs.uk
Herz
|July 5, 2002
Summary
Contrast echocardiography, using new contrast-specific imaging, enhances diagnostic capabilities. This advanced technique improves myocardial perfusion assessment and endocardial border definition for better cardiac evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Ultrasound
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Contrast echocardiography has been a clinical tool for over two decades.
- Conventional ultrasound techniques limited the clinical utility of contrast agents.
- Advancements in contrast-specific imaging have expanded the applications of contrast echocardiography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the indications and advancements in contrast echocardiography.
- To highlight the benefits of new contrast agents and imaging technologies.
- To emphasize the clinical relevance of myocardial perfusion assessment.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of contrast agents into "right heart" and "left heart" media.
- Utilization of "contrast-specific" imaging modalities for optimal "left heart" contrast agent use.
- Application of new technologies like Power Pulse Inversion and Power Modulation for real-time myocardial perfusion evaluation.
Main Results:
- "Left heart" contrast media significantly improve endocardial border definition.
- Contrast-enhanced echocardiography is recommended when unenhanced recordings are suboptimal.
- New ultrasound contrast media (e.g., SonoVue) are compatible with all imaging modalities.
- Real-time myocardial perfusion assessment is now possible, enabling simultaneous evaluation of wall motion and perfusion.
Conclusions:
- Contrast echocardiography provides clinically relevant information beyond conventional analysis.
- New imaging technologies have made simultaneous assessment of left ventricular wall motion and myocardial perfusion a reality.
- Contrast echocardiography is essential for specific clinical scenarios, including complex congenital heart disease and suboptimal Doppler recordings.