Protocol for optimal detection and exclusion of a patent foramen ovale using transthoracic echocardiography with agitated saline microbubbles.
Agitated saline bubble studies in conjunction with echocardiography, in particular transesophageal echocardiography, are currently the principal means in the diagnosis of patent foramen ovale (PFO). We describe techniques and guidelines for the detection and exclusion of a PFO. The potential for misinterpretation of these bubble studies exists and therefore, several false positive and false negative scenarios are illustrated and discussed.
Attaran
Robert R
RR
Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA.
Ata
Imran
I
Kudithipudi
Vijayasree
V
Foster
Laura
L
Sorrell
Vincent L
VL
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D045423:Microbubbles; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver / Q000502:physiology
D012965:Sodium Chloride