Contrast Transthoracic Echocardiography Using 50% Glucose as a Contrast Agent for Screening of a Patent Foramen Ovale

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is considered a risk factor for neurologic events. The goal of the study described here was to assess the feasibility, advantages, diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of contrast transthoracic echocardiography examination (cTTE) using 50% glucose as a contrast agent in comparison with the use of agitated saline as contrast to screen for PFO. In our study, we found that the peak time, effective duration and duration of microbubbles produced by 50% glucose were all longer than those produced by the physiologic saline.
Source: Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Original Contribution Source Type: research