[Contrast echocardiography using hydrogen peroxide]

Abstract

The practicability of using hydrogen peroxide solutions for contrast echocardiography was examined. The administration of 1-3 ml of 0.2% solution mixed with a drop of the patient's blood, into the cubital or catheterized subclavian vein produced intensive and lasting (up to 2 min) contrast of the right cavities of the heart. Cubital injection of the solution was associated with a more lasting effect, as compared to the subclavian administration. The causes of this difference are yet to be investigated. The contrasting effect was fairly persistent and marked even when concentrations of the hydrogen peroxide solutions were reduced to 0.15 or 0.1%. The rate of administration was not more than 1 ml/s and had no negative effect on the quality of the contrast. No side effects associated with repeated administration of 1-3 ml hydrogen peroxide solution in the above-mentioned concentrations were noted in either of the 20 patients thus examined.