Myocardial contrast echocardiography – Use in viability assessment and acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is now guideline-directed tool to assess myocardial perfusion both at rest and during stress. Its prognostic value has been established in the scenario of stable and unstable coronary artery disease and heart failure through assessment of myocardial ischemia, myocardial viability, coronary flow reserve, and microvascular dysfunction. We will discuss the pathophysiologic basis of MCE and its role in myocardial viability assessment both in the setting of chronic ischemic left ventricular dysfunction and acute myocardial infarction.

Keywords

• acute myocardial infarction
• myocardial contrast echocardiography
• viability assessment