title: Harmonic imaging: echocardiographic enhanced contrast intensity and duration.
abstract: The intensity and duration of contrast effect within the left ventricular cavity after an intravenous bolus of Levovist Injection were observed with both harmonic and fundamental imaging in nine patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Contrast intensity was assessed by a qualitative grading system (0, none; 1, weak; 2, moderate; 3, good) and by videodensitometric analysis of pixel intensity. Duration of left ventricular contrast effect was determined by measuring time from the initial visual appearance of contrast agent to its disappearance. The mean increase in pixel intensity within the left ventricular cavity from precontrast to peak contrast was significantly greater for second harmonic than for fundamental imaging (25.5 vs 7.1; P < 0.012). The mean contrast intensity qualitative score with harmonic imaging was higher (2.6 +/- 0.73 vs 1.2 +/- 0.44; P < 0.01) and the duration of contrast effect was longer (242 +/- 131 s vs 53 +/- 33 s; P < 0.004). Second harmonic imaging significantly enhanced contrast intensity and prolonged visible duration of contrast effect after a peripheral venous injection of Levovist.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Pellikka
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Villarraga
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Klarich
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Mulvagh
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Seward
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D011134:Polysaccharides; C059891:SHU 508