Saline Solution

The use of echo contrast improved the detection of the PFO relative to PW Doppler color. Recent studies have shown that a transthoracic echo contrast with a similar accuracy has a transesophageal echo.

Contrast is a mixture of 8 ml physiological saline (NaCl) with 0.5- 1.0ml air and 0.5- 1.0ml blood. First, we look without valsalva does this not result then still Valsalva what better detection result is. A contrast echo is done with a AP4Ch or subcostale4Ch recording. The contrast is in the right atrium to. In a positive test is seen crossing to the left atrium. The number of heart beats have to be counted. If there is seen in the LA contrast within 3 cardiac cycles is considered an intracardiac shunt. It takes longer than three cardiac cycles are called an intrapulmonary shunt.

The risk of contrast ultrasound is very low , according to a study by the American Society of echocardiography there is about 0:06 % chance of a side effect of contrast by saline.

Example

Video
Video source [1]

References

1. Davison P, Clift PF, and Steeds RP. The role of echocardiography in diagnosis, monitoring closure and post-procedural assessment of patent foramen ovale. Eur J Echocardiogr. 2010 Dec;11(10):i27-34. DOI:10.1093/ejechocard/jeq120 |