Myocardial contrast echocardiography in acute myocardial infarction.
OBJECTIVE
Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) has evolved into an important clinical tool for imaging coronary microcirculation. It can be used to delineate the spectrum of perfusion derangements that characterize acute myocardial infarction.


RESULTS
Presently, MCE uses microcirculatory perfusion as the basis to distinguish myocardial necrosis and viability in the post-infarct stage. Its future role may expand to image cellular integrity, inflammation, and angiogenesis, all of which contribute to the pathophysiology of the myocardial infarction.


CONCLUSIONS
This review provides an update of the current role and future clinical applications of MCE in acute myocardial infarction.
Verjans
Johan W
JW
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Narula
Navneet
N
Loyd
Amy
A
Narula
Jagat
J
Vannan
Mani A
MA
D000208:Acute Disease; D003287:Contrast Media; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015425:Myocardial Reperfusion; D009336:Necrosis; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic
D003287:Contrast Media