[The improvement of echocardiographic assessment of the left ventricle by the use of perflenapent and harmonic imaging].
Contrast echocardiography and harmonic imaging (HI) are promising new modalities applied in order to obtain improved visualisation of the left ventricle. Perflenapent (EchoGen, Abbott) is a new generation echocardiographic contrast agent that crosses the pulmonary capillary bed and produces long-term ventricle opacification. Our aim was to assess the left ventricle endocardial visualisation after perflenapent infusion and HI technique. We studied a pilot group of 10 patients (mean age 52.5 +/- 7.6, mean weight 76.9 +/- 10.1 kg, one female) with previously obtained sub-optimal non-contrast echocardiograms. Perflenapent was injected intravenously at dosis 0.05 ml/kg. Echocardiography was performed before perflenapent injection and during the time between injection and LV image disappearance. Images were assessed using four-point scale, 0 standing for the poorest and 3 for excellent visualisation. Perflenapent produced full chamber opacification in all pts. Contrast effect was observed for 550-15824 sec and myocardial enhancement was seen for 176-2116 sec after i.v. administration. After perflenapent administration, endocardial border was significantly better visible than before (1.9 +/- 0.57 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.31, p < 0.001). No hemodynamic effects were noted, as assessed by oxygen saturation, blood pleasure and heart rate. A mild, transient somnolence was seen in one pt. Perflenapent improved left ventricular function diagnostic capabilities, and provided enhanced visualisation of the myocardium.
Olszewski
R
R
Kliniki Kardiologii Centralnego Szpitala Klinicznego WAM w Warszawie.
Marciniak
W
W
Nowicki
A
A
Gil
M
M
Etienne
J
J
Karłowicz
P
P
Adamus
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D006334:Heart Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010420:Pentanes
D003287:Contrast Media; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C008806:perfluoropentane; D010420:Pentanes