Echocardiographic contrast in two-dimensional echocardiography: new applications for an old technique?
Although Gramiak and Shah first introduced the technique of using contrast enhanced two-dimensional echocardiography in 1968, it has seen a resurgence of new and varied applications.  Three of the areas of interest are in the use of microbubble enhanced contrast agents to evaluate: (1) regional myocardial blood flow; (2) regional myocardial function; and (3) myocardial ischemic areas and infarct size.  Whether these new approaches will have applications and value in the clinical laboratory is still a matter of conjecture.  The objective of this review is to briefly summarize the potential uses and the advantages and disadvantages of each application.
Christensen
C W
CW
Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Sinai Samaritan Medical Center Milwaukee, WI 53201.
Reeves
W C
WC
D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects; D003326:Coronary Circulation; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans