Myocardial contrast echocardiography in acute coronary syndromes

Abstract

Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is an emerging technique in which microbubble contrast agents are visualized in the coronary microvasculature. MCE is an ideal modality for the noninvasive evaluation of acute coronary syndromes because it provides portable, simultaneous assessment of regional wall motion and myocardial perfusion. Recent advances in microbubble contrast agents and ultrasound imaging technology have allowed new clinical applications of MCE in acute coronary syndromes. Studies suggest a promising role for MCE in the evaluation of chest pain, the diagnosis and prognosis in acute myocardial infarction, the assessment of the success of reperfusion, and the differentiation of myocardial stunning from myocardial necrosis. Potential future applications of MCE in acute coronary syndromes include the detection of inflammation and ultrasound induced thrombolysis. The following serves as a review of the current status of myocardial contrast echocardiography in acute coronary syndromes.