Enhanced endocardial visualization with noncontrast harmonic imaging during stress echocardiography.
The diagnostic value of echocardiography hinges on the reader's ability to adequately visualize the endocardium of the left ventricle. This study was designed to evaluate the potential benefit of noncontrast harmonic imaging to enhance endocardial visualization. Eighty consecutive outpatients who underwent treadmill stress echocardiography were randomly assigned to either fundamental or harmonic imaging. The echoes were interpreted by 2 experienced readers. Compared with fundamental imaging, harmonic imaging of tissue improved the overall endocardial visualization score by 35% and 21% for readers 1 and 2, respectively (P <.001). Harmonic imaging also reduced the percentage of nondiagnostic segments by one half (P <.01). In patients undergoing treadmill stress echo, harmonic imaging offers a clinically significant improvement in endocardial visualization.
Skolnick
D G
DG
Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-4800, USA.
Sawada
S G
SG
Feigenbaum
H
H
Segar
D S
DS
D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D004699:Endocardium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left