Noninvasive LV pressure estimation using subharmonic emissions from microbubbles

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2012 Jan;5(1):87-92. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2011.08.017.

Abstract

To develop a new noninvasive approach to quantify left ventricular (LV) pressures using subharmonic emissions from microbubbles, an ultrasound scanner was used in pulse inversion grayscale mode; unprocessed radiofrequency data were obtained with pulsed wave Doppler from the aorta and/or LV during Sonazoid infusion. Subharmonic data (in dB) were extracted and processed. Calibration factor (mm Hg/dB) from the aortic pressure was used to estimate LV pressures. Errors ranged from 0.19 to 2.50 mm Hg when estimating pressures using the aortic calibration factor, and were higher (0.64 to 8.98 mm Hg) using a mean aortic calibration factor. Subharmonic emissions from ultrasound contrast agents have the potential to noninvasively monitor LV pressures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging
  • Blood Pressure
  • Calibration
  • Contrast Media*
  • Dogs
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed* / standards
  • Ferric Compounds*
  • Heart Ventricles / diagnostic imaging*
  • Iron*
  • Microbubbles*
  • Models, Animal
  • Oxides*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Time Factors
  • Ventricular Function, Left*
  • Ventricular Pressure*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Sonazoid
  • Iron