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Assessment of left ventricular function with contrast echocardiography
R Parker Ward1, Victor Mor-Avi, Roberto M Lang
1Noninvasive Imaging Laboratories, Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 6080, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. pward@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Cardiology Clinics
|May 26, 2004
Summary
Contrast echocardiography significantly improves visualization of the endocardium, aiding left ventricular (LV) function assessment, especially in challenging cases. Automated LV function quantification is nearing widespread clinical adoption thanks to imaging advancements.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
- Cardiac Physiology
Background:
- Echocardiography is the leading noninvasive method for assessing cardiac structure and function.
- Accurate quantification of left ventricular (LV) function remains a challenge despite technological progress.
- Poor acoustic windows hinder effective echocardiographic assessment in some patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of echocardiography in cardiac assessment.
- To discuss the impact of contrast agents on LV function evaluation.
- To explore the future of automated LV function quantification.
Main Methods:
- Review of advancements in ultrasound imaging technology.
- Evaluation of contrast echocardiography for endocardial visualization.
- Assessment of techniques for LV function quantification.
Main Results:
- Contrast agents have substantially improved endocardial visualization.
- LV function assessment is more accurate, particularly in patients with poor acoustic windows.
- Automated quantification of LV function is becoming feasible.
Conclusions:
- Echocardiography, enhanced by contrast agents, is crucial for accurate cardiac assessment.
- Technological refinements are paving the way for automated LV function analysis.
- Automated quantification promises to enhance clinical utility and accessibility.