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[Current status and indications for contrast echocardiography]
W Weihs1, B Anelli-Monti, R Picha
1II. Medizinische Abteilung, Landeskrankenhauses Graz.
Insights
Contrast echocardiography (CE) remains valuable for diagnosing right ventricular overload and detecting patent foramen ovale (PFO). This study reevaluates CE
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Diagnostic Techniques
Background:
- Contrast echocardiography (CE) is underutilized despite advancements in imaging techniques.
- Reevaluation of CE's utility and indications is necessary in modern cardiology.
- Color flow Doppler has become a standard, potentially overshadowing CE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reassess the clinical usefulness and indications for contrast echocardiography (CE).
- To determine the role of CE in diagnosing specific cardiac conditions.
- To evaluate CE's effectiveness in the era of advanced Doppler imaging.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 7823 consecutive echocardiographic studies.
- Identification of studies where contrast echocardiography (CE) was applied (638 cases).
- Review of indications including right ventricular overload, pulmonary hypertension, and patent foramen ovale (PFO) screening.
Main Results:
- CE was used in 8% of studies.
- CE aided in diagnosing right ventricular overload (379 patients) and pulmonary hypertension (321 patients).
- CE improved Doppler signals for tricuspid regurgitation and right heart dimension quantification, and was crucial for PFO detection (259 patients screened).
Conclusions:
- Contrast echocardiography (CE) remains a valuable diagnostic tool.
- CE is indicated for evaluating right ventricular overload and pulmonary hypertension.
- CE is particularly essential for the detection of patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Abstract:
Due to newly developed techniques contrast echocardiography (CE) is less often applied today. As to reevaluate the usefulness and the indications for CE 7823 consecutive echocardiographic studies were analysed. In 638 (8%) of these studies CE was used. 379 patients showed signs of right ventricular overload, 58 due to a left-to-right shunt. Pressure overload due to pulmonary hypertension was found in 321 cases. CE enhanced doppler flow signals in tricuspid regurgitation and facilitated quantification of right heart dimensions. 259 patients were screened for patent foramen ovale (PFO), 94 after embolic events, and 165 because neurosurgical intervention in a sitting position was planned. So CE proved to be still indicated in the era of color flow doppler, especially for the detection of PFO.