[Intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography; recent advances]

Until quite recently, contrast echocardiography for myocardial perfusion imaging has required the invasive direct injection of contrast agent into the coronary artery. Recent advances in ultrasonic technology and contrast agents have enabled myocardial contrast echocardiography with intra-venous injection of contrast agent in the clinical setting. This noninvasive technique has made the following clinical applications; left ventricular opacification, determination of the endocardium, enhancement of the Doppler flow signals, and detection of myocardial perfusion. Furthermore, in the near future, local drug delivery and pathology-specific targeted adherence of contrast agent may be added to the applications for the treatment. Intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography is expected to have wide-ranging clinical potential.