Simultaneous real-time echocardiographic imaging of myocardial perfusion and regional function using color-encoded, contrast-enhanced power modulation

J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2003 Dec;16(12):1258-66. doi: 10.1067/j.echo.2003.08.003.

Abstract

We hypothesized that color-encoded, contrast-enhanced, power modulation imaging could allow simultaneous quantification of myocardial perfusion and regional left ventricular function. We studied 12 anesthetized, closed-chest pigs at baseline, during acute ischemia, and during reperfusion, and 8 patients after acute myocardial infarction. Color kinesis was used to color encode endocardial motion during real-time contrast perfusion imaging with high-energy ultrasound pulses. Wall motion was assessed by calculating regional fractional area changes. Translation-free perfusion analysis was performed in automatically identified myocardial regions of interest. Steady-state intensity and postimpulse rate of contrast replenishment were calculated. In all animals, ischemia caused reversible changes in the images and the perfusion- and function-calculated indices. A significant decrease in pixel intensity (14%) and contrast replenishment rate (66%) in left anterior descending coronary artery segments, in agreement with fluorescent microspheres measurements, coincided with a decrease in fractional area change (34%). For patients, respective perfusion and function indices were 61%, 51%, and 58% lower in segments where perfusion defects, regional wall-motion abnormalities, or both were noted in gray scale images. Color-encoded, contrast-enhanced power modulation allows simultaneous real-time imaging and quantitative analysis of myocardial perfusion and regional left ventricular function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fluorocarbons
  • Image Enhancement
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Male
  • Microspheres
  • Myocardial Infarction / diagnostic imaging*
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Myocardial Ischemia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Myocardial Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Myocardium / metabolism*
  • Swine
  • Ventricular Function, Left*

Substances

  • Fluorocarbons
  • perflutren