Agitated Saline Contrast Injection in Patients with Severe Hypoxemia
Scott J Millington1, Henry Mayo-Malasky2, Seth Koenig3
1Department of Critical Care, University of Ottawa/The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON Canada.
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine
|February 24, 2023
Summary
Agitated saline contrast (ASC) echocardiography identifies right-to-left shunts causing hypoxemic respiratory failure in ICUs. This review details ASC injection technique, clinical uses, and its strengths and limitations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Agitated saline contrast (ASC) echocardiography is standard for detecting atrial septal defects, often linked to stroke.
- In intensive care units (ICUs), ASC can reveal intracardiac or transpulmonary shunts contributing to hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Conclusions:
- ASC echocardiography is an accessible and effective method for diagnosing shunts in critical care.
- Understanding its application can improve the management of hypoxemic respiratory failure.
- The technique offers valuable diagnostic information with specific strengths and limitations.
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