contrast echocardiography
Echocardiographic technique using microbubble contrast agents to enhance image quality and assess myocardial perfusion.
Full Definition
Contrast echocardiography involves the intravenous administration of microbubble contrast agents to improve endocardial border definition and assess myocardial perfusion. The microbubbles enhance the acoustic interface between blood and tissue, providing better visualization of wall motion and enabling quantitative assessment of left ventricular function. Real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography can also evaluate tissue perfusion by observing microbubble replenishment patterns within the myocardium following their destruction by high-power ultrasound.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the contrast agent used and indication (wall motion vs. perfusion assessment).
In Context
- "Contrast echocardiography was performed to better delineate the left ventricular apex in this technically challenging study." — procedure indication
- "Real-time contrast echocardiography demonstrated preserved perfusion in all myocardial segments." — perfusion assessment