Korean J Vet Res.  2015 Mar;55(1):47-52. 10.14405/kjvr.2015.55.1.47.

Usefulness of ultrasound contrast media for cardiac output measurement with echocardiography

• Yun JW
• Yeon SC
• Lee HC

• KMID: 2128679
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14405/kjvr.2015.55.1.47

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if contrast media would enhance visualization of the endocardium for assessment of left ventricle (LV) function. In addition, differences between pre- and post-contrast evaluation for the cardiac output measurements including the modified Simpson's method and automated contour tracking (ACT) method were examined. Ten clinically healthy adult beagle dogs (three males and seven females) between 2~3 years old and weighing 6.6~10.8 kg were used. Echocardiographic examinations were performed to compare pre- and postcontrast LV endocardium visualization using a segmental scoring method. Two different methods for measuring cardiac output were also compared. LV visualization was significantly enhanced in post-contrast echocardiography (p < 0.01). Significant differences between pre- and post-contrast measurements for the modified Simpson's method (p < 0.05) were also observed. No significant difference was found for the ACT method. Contrast echocardiography provides better LV chamber opacification and significantly improves wall segment visualization. Furthermore, contrast echocardiography for measuring cardiac output is helpful for the modified Simpson's method.

Keyword

cardiac output; contrast echocardiography; dog; segmental scoring

MeSH Terms

Adult
Animals
Cardiac Output*
Contrast Media*
Dogs
Echocardiography*
Endocardium
Heart Ventricles
Humans
Male
Research Design
Ultrasonography*
Contrast Media