The Value of Contrast Echocardiography

Abstract

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews (JPCRR) is an open access, peer-reviewed medical journal focused on disseminating scholarly works devoted to improving patient-centered care practices, health outcomes, and the patient experience.

Role of Echocardiography in the Intensive Care Unit: Overview of the Most Common Clinical Scenarios

“…When image quality is poor and the tracing of endocardium is difficult, contrast agents should be considered to improve endocardial delineation. 4,5 LVEF and cardiac output are reduced when LV systolic function is decreased; the evidence of a normal or supernormal cardiac output with an impaired LV systolic function should direct the diagnosis to septic shock, as revealed by a markedly impaired LV systolic function, 6 whereas cardiac output is preserved by a significantly low systemic vascular resistance that boosts LV unloading.…”

Asking Questions, Seeking Improvements

“…2 Also in this issue, Treiber and Khandheria report a study of patient echocardiograms performed with and without contrast. 3 Historically, many new technologies (but certainly not all) are ultimately found to be very cost-effective. 4 Conversely, many new drugs have great success and potential, but also stormy histories due to overuse, misuse, overzealous marketing or inadequate control.…”