Myocardial contrast echocardiography in the detection of coronary stenosis.
The need for the capillary bed to maintain normal hydrostatic pressure results in capillary derecruitment distal to a stenosis during hyperemia. This pathophysiologic behavior is seen irrespective of the method by which coronary driving pressure is reduced. The functional consequences of the decrease in MBV are an increase in myocardial vascular resistance and a concomitant reduction in hyperemic MBF. These phenomena form the basis for the detection of CAD with MCE, which isa unique noninvasive tool that allows the separate assessment of both MBV and MBF velocity. Because of its excellent spatial and temporal resolution, portability, widespread availability,and relatively low cost, MCE should provide an attractive method for the noninvasive detection of CAD and for the quantification of stenosis severity.
Tong
Khim Leng
KL
Cardiovascular Imaging Center, Box 800158, Cardiovascular Division, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Wei
Kevin
K
D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D007089:Image Enhancement; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D045423:Microbubbles; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000503:physiopathology; D014655:Vascular Resistance; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology