Utility contrast echocardiography in the emergency department.
The diagnosis and risk stratification of patients presenting with suspected cardiac chest pain to the emergency department (ED) is difficult, inefficient, and costly. Echocardiography can be used to directly detect myocardial ischemia through the identification of a new wall thickening (WT) abnormality. Contrast echocardiography provides further incremental benefit both for assessment of WT, as well as from the evaluation of myocardial perfusion. This review will discuss how echocardiography can be used to diagnose, risk stratify, and potentially reduce costs in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes in the ED.
Cardiovascular Division, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA. weik@ohsu.edu
Kevin
K
Wei
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D017046:Cost Savings; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
D003287:Contrast Media