LV Contrast

Contrast echocardiography is used to improve the picture quality and at the same time provide information on myocardial perfusion. Contrast echocardiography can save the patient for further invasive investigations. Because in addition to improving quality contrast, echocardiography provides a secure and comprehensive investigation of cardiac structure, function and coronary flow reserve.

Contrast echocardiography is used to enhance the echogenicity of blood (better signal/noise ratio) and is used only in patients in whom no contrast has delivered (if there are 2 or more segments, LV myocardium cannot be judged) any result. Contrast highlights the left ventricle white and enhances the outline of the endocardial border thereby accurate detection or exclusion of abnormalities increases.

Indication/contra-indication

Contra-indications for LV contrast
<7 days after acute coronary syndrome Significant shunt (suspected or proven) Hypersensitive LV contrast Intracoronary lesion

Indications for LV contrast
Abnormal LV structure and function* LV volume and ejection fraction* Apical hypertrophic CMP Non-compaction CMP Apical thrombus LV pseudoaneurysm
*At suboptimal 2D images to enhance image quality

Mechanical index

Transducers generate an acoustic field by a high input (power) of emitted sound waves (vibrations). One measure of this is the mechanical index. High mechanical index destroy the contrast bubbles therefore, a reduction in the input of the sound waves transmitted is necessary.

Example

Video

Video

References

1. Senior R, Becher H, Monaghan M, Agati L, Zamorano J, Vanoverschelde JL, and Nihoyannopoulos P. Contrast echocardiography: evidence-based recommendations by European Association of Echocardiography. Eur J Echocardiogr. 2009 Mar;10(2):194-212. DOI:10.1093/ejechocard/jep005 |