title: Protocol for optimal detection and exclusion of a patent foramen ovale using transthoracic echocardiography with agitated saline microbubbles.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA.
authors.forename: Robert R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Attaran
authors.forename: Imran
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ata
authors.forename: Vijayasree
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kudithipudi
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Foster
authors.forename: Vincent L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Sorrell
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride