Background: The choice of the optimal echo contrast agent could be of relevance for the detection of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). This study compares agitated saline solution and oxypolygelatine (OXY) with respect to their ability to detect a PFO.
Methods: A total of 34 patients (13 women, age 45 +/- 16 years) underwent both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. The appearance of contrast and the presence of a PFO was assessed visually and by acoustic densitometry for both agents.
Results: The sensitivity of the detection of a PFO (22 patent, 65%) was 71% with saline versus 84.6% for OXY. Maximum, mean acoustic densitometry grayscale intensity values and the duration of opacification was significantly higher for OXY versus saline for all chambers.
Conclusions: OXY has superior echo properties that translate into a higher sensitivity for the detection of a PFO. The choice of the optimal agent must be considered for clinical routine and research studies.