Clinical application of harmonic power Doppler imaging in the assessment of myocardial perfusion by contrast echocardiography.
Myocardial contrast echocardiography has moved from the research laboratory to clinical echocardiography. As with any emerging technology, background information and understanding the process of image acquisition will help to integrate the technology into everyday practice. Harmonic power Doppler imaging (HPDI) is a high-power, triggered imaging modality used to assess myocardial perfusion. Contrast agents used in echocardiography provide microvascular tracers that enable HPDI to accurately visualize myocardial blood flow. This article aims to provide direction in the clinical performance of myocardial contrast echocardiography by providing background in the theory and physics of HPDI and a guide to the technical acquisition of images and recognition of artifacts that arise during HPDI.
Belcik
J Todd
JT
Cardiovascular Division, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. jb5ae@virginia.edu
Bierig
S Michelle
SM
Chadwell
Kimberly
K
Roberts
Brad
B
D001154:Art; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D003287:Contrast Media; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D045423:Microbubbles; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D003287:Contrast Media