Contrast Echocardiography

Contrast Echocardiography

The use of contrast with 3D echocardiography to

improve quantification of LV volumes offers several

advantages. The RT3D technique (single or

full volume) provides the most practical approach.

Triggering, although not essential, increases

the signal-to-noise ratio and thus is superior

to nontriggered imaging.38 Preliminary

clinical studies have shown promise with regard

to improved LV surface identification and volume

and ejection fraction measurement.129,130

Another evolving application of contrast 3D

echocardiography is in the evaluation of myocardial

perfusion. The ability to record the entire LV

and to quantify the full extent of hypoperfused

myocardium is a potential advantage of this approach.

131-133 However, the problem of microbubble

destruction, even with triggered imaging,

remains a challenge. This is especially true when

matrix array transducers are used, which results in

suboptimal myocardial opacification due to high

acoustic power. Further technological developments

should lead to improvements in all of these

areas and will contribute to more practical applications

of contrast 3D echocardiography.