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Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Evaluation and Optimization of Real-Time Perfusion Imaging Using Multiple Ultrasound Systems With Imagify Microspheres

M. Teri Dittrich, BA, RDCS

Clinical Research, Acusphere, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts, teri{at}imager.com

William C. Epperly, CVT, RCS

Clinical Research, Acusphere, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts

Helen Kopelen, RDCS

Clinical Research, Acusphere, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts

G. Monet Strachan, RDCS

Cardiology Department, University of California, San Diego

Michelle Harden, RDCS

King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom

Joanne Sandelski, MA, RDCS, RVT

Clinical Research, Acusphere, Inc., Watertown, Massachusetts

Heidi Mahrous, RDCS

University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Todd Belcik, RDCS

Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon

Current commercially available ultrasound systems have proprietary contrast-specific imaging modes to evaluate myocardial contrast enhancement (MCE). Each of these modes uses a different pulsing scheme and has unique system terminology and a proprietary name. The aim of this study was to determine optimal system settings and MCE duration using Imagify (perflubutane polymer microspheres), a new ultrasound imaging agent undergoing development for perfusion stress echocardiography to detect coronary artery disease. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. Four ultrasound systems with real-time, low mechanical index (nonlinear, multi-pulse) modes were evaluated. Optimal MCE settings were determined qualitatively in the apical views through systematic adjustment of multiple settings while maintaining a frame rate consistent with stress echocardiography to produce high-intensity (bright-hyperechoic), transmural myocardial enhancement. When using the clinical dose of Imagify during real-time imaging, the optimized settings for three ultrasound systems allowed prolonged, clinically useful MCE with a mean duration of 9.5 minutes.

Key Words: echocardiography • myocardial perfusion imaging • microsphere • real-time imaging • myocardial contrast enhancement • Imagify

This version was published on September 1, 2008

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vol. 24, No. 5, 286-294 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/8756479308324035
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