Microbubbles are an excellent intravascular tracer, and both the rate of myocardial opacification (analogous to coronary microvascular perfusion) and contrast intensity (analogous to myocardial blood volume) provide unique insights into myocardial perfusion. A strong evidence base has been accumulated to show comparability with nuclear perfusion imaging and incremental diagnostic and prognostic value relative to wall motion analysis. This technique also provides the possibility to measure myocardial perfusion at the bedside. Despite all of these advantages, the technique is complicated, technically challenging, and has failed to scale legislative and financial hurdles. The development of targeted imaging and therapeutic interventions will hopefully rekindle interest in this interesting modality.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	contrast echocardiography, coronary artery disease, diagnosis, myocardial perfusion, prognosis
Research Division:	Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Research Group:	Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Research Field:	Cardiology (incl. cardiovascular diseases)
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical health
Objective Field:	Clinical health not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Pathan, F (Dr Faraz Pathan)
UTAS Author:	Marwick, TH (Professor Tom Marwick)
ID Code:	100900
Year Published:	2015
Web of Science® Times Cited:	15
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2015-06-03
Last Modified:	2017-11-02
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