BACKGROUND: The choice of the optimal echo contrast agent could be of relevance for the detection of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This study compares agitated saline solution and oxypolygelatine (OXY) with respect to their ability to detect a PFO. METHODS: A total of 34 patients (13 women, age 45 +/- 16 years) underwent both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. The appearance of contrast and the presence of a PFO was assessed visually and by acoustic densitometry for both agents. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the detection of a PFO (22 patent, 65%) was 71% with saline versus 84.6% for OXY. Maximum, mean acoustic densitometry grayscale intensity values and the duration of opacification was significantly higher for OXY versus saline for all chambers. CONCLUSIONS: OXY has superior echo properties that translate into a higher sensitivity for the detection of a PFO. The choice of the optimal agent must be considered for clinical routine and research studies.
BACKGROUND: The choice of the optimal echo contrast agent could be of relevance for the detection of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This study compares agitated saline solution and oxypolygelatine (OXY) with respect to their ability to detect a PFO. METHODS: A total of 34 patients (13 women, age 45 +/- 16 years) underwent both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. The appearance of contrast and the presence of a PFO was assessed visually and by acoustic densitometry for both agents. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the detection of a PFO (22 patent, 65%) was 71% with saline versus 84.6% for OXY. Maximum, mean acoustic densitometry grayscale intensity values and the duration of opacification was significantly higher for OXY versus saline for all chambers. CONCLUSIONS: OXY has superior echo properties that translate into a higher sensitivity for the detection of a PFO. The choice of the optimal agent must be considered for clinical routine and research studies.
Authors: Mohammad Khalid Mojadidi; Jared S Winoker; Scott C Roberts; Pavlos Msaouel; Rubine Gevorgyan; Ronald Zolty Journal: Int J Cardiovasc Imaging Date: 2014-04-17 Impact factor: 2.357