ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses two different types of echo contrast study: Those using agitated saline bubble contrast and those using transpulmonary contrast agents. An agitated saline bubble contrast study is used primarily to detect an intracardiac shunt, most commonly a patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect. Transpulmonary echo contrast agents provide opacification of the cardiac chambers and enhance the delineation of the left ventricular endocardial border, making them useful in cases where image quality is suboptimal. The techniques for performing both types of study are described. This chapter also discusses the role of myocardial contrast echo.
