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.
Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Sinai Samaritan Medical Center Milwaukee, WI 53201.
C W
CW
Christensen
W C
WC
Reeves
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