Contrast-enhanced echocardiography is used in addition to transthoracic 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.
- If the patient is a minor, over 60 years of age or has any special condition, they must attend with (1) a companion.
- Any kind of accessory around your neck that could interfere with the procedure should be removed.
- It is not necessary to suspend any type of medication unless it has been indicated by your treating physician.
- Do not ingest caffeine, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages or smoke 24 hours prior to the exam.
- You should not use creams, powders, oils, colognes, in the chest area as this can interfere with the measurement.
- It is important to inform the doctor of the presence of a pacemaker if it is the case.
- In men with a lot of hair, it is advisable to shave the chest area to be able to record a better image.
Bruising at the puncture site and an allergic reaction to the contrast medium may appear.