Contrast-enhanced echocardiography is used in addition to transesophageal echocardiography. A line is placed in the patient in a peripheral vein of the arm, saline solution mixed with a little air is injected to achieve the formation of reflective microbubbles that will flow through the circulatory system.
This test is performed to study specific diseases such as communications within the heart (patent foramen ovale, which is an opening in the wall of the interatrial septum of the heart cavity that allows blood to pass from the right atrium to the left atrium), or when there is suspicion of communications between veins and arteries.
This type of contrast does not contain iodine or drugs and the microbubbles quickly disappear from the blood in a few minutes.
- Arrive 15 minutes before the assigned appointment time.
- You must have at least 2 hours.
- Submit an identification document (Civil Registry, Identity Card, Citizenship Card, Immigration Certificate or Passport), health entity card, medical order and/or authorization.
- Submit: medical history, current medication formula and previously performed tests.
- Bring the money corresponding to the value of the moderating fee or the value of the particular appointment, as appropriate.
- You must attend with a companion.
- If you usually have any difficulty swallowing, throat or esophageal disease (esophagitis, varicose veins, cancer, hiatal hernia, etc.), let the doctor who is going to perform the study know. As well as if you have previously had digestive endoscopy.
- You should note the presence of dental prostheses.
- Requires a minimum fast of 6 hours.
- After the study, you must continue fasting for 30 minutes so that the effect of anesthesia completely disappears. If you do not have difficulty swallowing, you can drink and eat normally, otherwise you must wait another 30 minutes so that you can do so without difficulty.
Severe esophageal pathology such as:
- esophageal strictures.
- esophageal diverticula.
- esophageal tumors
- Esophageal varices with active or recent bleeding.
- Recent gastroesophageal surgery.
- History of mediastinal radiotherapy.
- Severe involvement of the atlantoaxial joint that prevents neck flexion.
The temporary side effects that may occur after the procedure is performed are:
- You may have small lesions in the mouth or esophagus. This does not normally require treatment.
- Vomiting reflex or increased flow of saliva are natural reactions of the body to the presence of a foreign body in the oral cavity and pharynx.
- The back of the throat may be tender and cause discomfort when swallowing. This discomfort should pass shortly after the exam.
- If contrast dye was applied during the test, there is a small risk of bruising at the puncture site and an allergic reaction to the contrast dye.