bubble study
Echocardiographic technique using agitated saline contrast to detect right-to-left shunting across cardiac defects.
Full Definition
A bubble study involves injecting agitated saline contrast through a peripheral vein during echocardiography to detect intracardiac shunts. The microbubbles created by agitation are too large to cross normal pulmonary capillaries, so their appearance in the left heart indicates right-to-left shunting through an atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale, or other communication. The timing and density of bubble appearance help characterize the shunt. This technique is particularly useful for detecting small atrial level shunts that may not be visible on routine color Doppler imaging.
Usage
Usage note: Also called 'saline contrast study' but 'bubble study' is more commonly used in pediatric cardiology.
In Context
- "The bubble study demonstrated immediate passage of contrast to the left atrium, confirming a right-to-left atrial shunt." — echocardiogram report
- "Agitated saline contrast study was negative for intracardiac shunting at rest and with Valsalva maneuver." — echocardiogram report