Intravenous echocontrast for assessment of left ventricular function and perfusion

Abstract

New echocardiographic contrast agents are being approved by regulatory authorities. These microbubbles have greater reflectivity and persistence than the previously available compounds. This review summarizes the important technical considerations surrounding these compounds and the processes required to image them. Echocardiographic contrast will be used for opacification of the left ventricle (particularly during stress echocardiography), Doppler enhancement, and assessment of myocardial perfusion. Of these indications, the prospect of assessment of myocardial perfusion is the most attractive, but also most difficult. This chapter discusses some of the pitfalls of qualitative evaluation, a..