[Stress echocardiography: evaluation of left ventricular function after administration of the transpulmonary echo...

Stress echocardiography has recently gained increased importance as a method for assessment of left ventricular function. However, suboptimal image quality in some patients may limit use of this technique. In the present study, 10 patients with moderate image quality in the resting echocardiograms (apical 4-chamberview) were reinvestigated after administration of the intravenous transpulmonary saccharide-based left heart contrast agent SHU 508 A. Duration of contrast enhancement in the left ventricle determined by visual assessment was 135 s (SEE +/- 39) at rest and 112 s (+/- 24) during maximum exercise. On a scale ranging from O (no contrast) to 4 (excessively strong contrast) enhancement averaged 2.5 at rest and during exercise. The left ventricle was divided into three segments (septum, apex, lateral wall) and delineation of the endocardial border was assessed. Detection of the border improved significantly after contrast administration, especially at the lateral wall. Despite better visual assessment of the endocardial border, there was no improvement in automatic or semi-automatic contour recognition. No clinically significant side-effects were observed. Three patients reported a sensation of warmth at the injection site. In conclusion, intravenous administration of SHU 508 A improves visual detection of the left ventricular endocardial border in patients with suboptimal image quality and helps to achieve acceptable diagnostic accuracy with stress echocardiography in these patients.