Chapter 1: An introduction to contrast
- The physics of contrast imaging
- Machine settings (influence of the mechanical index)
- Contrast modalities (high power vs. low power, real-time vs. triggered, imaging technology)
- Imaging techniques in more detail
- Principles of assessment of myocardial perfusion during MCE - Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography
- Contrast modality During MCE (low vs. high MI)
Chapter 2: Contrast Echocardiography in Practice
A. Contrast for Enhancing Endocardial Border Visualisation
- Contrast administration (bolus vs. infusion)
- Image optimisation (artefacts, gains, focus)
- Contrast Modality for LV Structural Assessment
B. Contrast for Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion
- Contrast for myocardial perfusion – which stress modality?
- Qualitative MCE (visual assessment)
- Semi-quantitative MCE (contrast perfusion scores)
- Quantitative MCE - offline image processing
Chapter 3: The evidence for use of contrast in clinical echocardiography
A. Left Ventricular Opacification - LVO
- Improved accuracy of global and regional assessment of global and regional systolic function as well as ventricular volumes and ejection fraction
- Contrast in Stress Echocardiography
- Improved detection of intra-cardiac thrombus & structural abnormalities