title: Contrast echocardiography for detection of myocardial perfusion abnormalities : A clinical perspective.
abstract: Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is a well-established imaging technique in the assessment of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. The use of ultrasound contrast agents has optimized the evaluation of left ventricular function and, moreover, permits simultaneous assessment of the myocardial perfusion. This technique utilizes microbubbles that remain in the intravascular space and the contrast intensity reflects the concentration of the microbubbles in the myocardium. A homogeneous opacification of the myocardium after destruction of the microbubbles during high-power imaging is regarded as normal perfusion and absence of CAD. If the replenishment rate is reduced, this is suggestive of significant CAD. In comparison with other techniques, MCE shows comparable sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy while it is an easy-to-perform bedside technique that can be a valuable tool for the clinician.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Karogiannis
authors.affiliation: Department of Echocardiography, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, SW3 6NP, London, UK. roxysenior@cardiac-research.org.|Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK. roxysenior@cardiac-research.org.|National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK. roxysenior@cardiac-research.org.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Senior
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D055414:Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D013318:Stroke Volume; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Contrast agents; Contrast echocardiography; Coronary artery disease; Myocardium; Perfusion imaging