Description
This is a specialized cardiological examination with high diagnostic value, used to improve heart imaging in patients with poor image quality—“difficult” echocardiographic windows.
The test involves the intravenous administration of a contrast agent or saline solution and takes only a few minutes. It is a safe routine test with a well-documented safety/efficacy profile.
What are the main indications for this test?
• Improved imaging in patients with poor image quality (e.g., patients with chronic lung diseases—COPD, obesity, structural chest abnormalities, etc.), with the aim of providing a detailed assessment of the anatomy and function of the heart, especially when precise measurements are required. It is estimated that up to 20% of patients have poor image quality. The use of contrast agents effectively improves imaging and drastically reduces the need for additional and costly tests (e.g., cardiac MRI).
• Screening for the presence of a blood clot in the heart in patients with underlying heart disease.
• Diagnosis of specific heart conditions, such as complications following acute myocardial infarction, apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, non-compact myocardium, etc.
• Detection of hidden communication between cardiac chambers (patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, etc.) in selected patients/examinees, e.g., following an ischemic stroke.
• Assessment of cardiac perfusion during the examination.
How the test is performed
First, a small catheter is inserted into a peripheral vein in the arm. Next, a small amount of contrast agent or saline solution is injected. At the same time, the doctor performs a simple yet specialized echocardiogram. After a few minutes, the patient can resume their daily routine without restrictions.
The use of agitated saline is safe, with an extremely low risk of side effects.
The contrast agents used are not related to those used in other imaging methods (e.g., CT or MRI), have no adverse, toxic effects on kidney function, and the likelihood of an allergic reaction is extremely rare (<1/10,000).