[Applications of contrast echocardiography in the acute phase of myocardial infarction]

Abstract

The present interest in myocardial contrast echocardiography is related to the development of new contrast agents which can be used intravenously and the perfection of new echocardiographic technologies. Amongst the potential applications of this technique, the study of myocardial perfusion in the acute phase of myocardial infarction is one of the most promising as shown by the experience acquired over several years with intracoronary contrast echocardiography. It allows assessment of the extent of the zones at risk before recanalisation, the presence of collateral vessels and, above all, the quality of myocardial reperfusion. The demonstration of the absence of effective reperfusion of the myocardial microcirculation, or the phenomenon of no-reflow, is one of the main advantages of contrast echocardiography and has been identified as an important independent prognostic factor. This technique could therefore become essential in the evaluation of methods for reducing the extent of microvascular damage. Although many questions remain unanswered about the ideal methods of performing and analysing intravenous contrast echocardiography, the preliminary results confirm the potential of the technique in non-invasive evaluation of myocardial reperfusion in the acute phase of myocardial infarction.