Lectures

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

B. Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography - MCE

• Detection of myocardial ischaemia
• Detection of myocardial viability
• Incremental benefit over wall motion & clinical parameters
• Assessment of Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR)