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Echocardiogram
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What is Contrast Transthoracic Echocardiogram?

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Contrast is a technique used to complement a transthoracic echocardiogram. The presence of a "poor acoustic window" can mean the echocardiogram is not clear enough for a diagnosis, raising doubts, so it is necessary to use what is known as an "echo contrast". An echo contrast is a drug administered intravenously that enables better visualisation of the left cardiac cavities. This type of contrast agent does not contain iodine and has a short blood life (only a few minutes) before it disappears.

How is it done?

A cannula is placed in a peripheral vein in the arm to administer the contrast, and the echocardiographic study is then carried out. The cannula is then removed from the vein and the person may leave.

What complications could there be?

Complications and allergic reactions to the components are rare. The only contraindication described is having had an acute myocardial infarction in the preceding days.

How do you prepare yourself?

You do not need to fast or take any special measures before the test. It is likely that contrast will not initially be administered for the echocardiogram, and will only be given if there are doubts about the diagnosis.

The echo contrast does not affect renal function, so even if you have kidney problems you can do the test.

Read more Transoesophageal Echocardiogram
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Substantiated information by:

Laura Sanchís Ruiz

Published: 18 July 2019
Updated: 18 July 2019

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