Contrast echocardiography: a practical guideline from the British Society of Echocardiography
Reinette Hampson, Roxy Senior, Liam Ring, Shaun Robinson, Daniel Augustine, Harald Becher, Natasha Anderson, James Willis, Badrinathan Chandrasekaran, Attila Kardos, Anjana Siva, Paul Leeson, Bushra S. Rana, Navtej Chahal, David Oxborough
Abstract
Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) have a well-established role in clinical cardiology. Contrast echocardiography has evolved into a routine technique through the establishment of contrast protocols, an excellent safety profile, and clinical guidelines which highlight the incremental prognostic utility of contrast enhanced echocardiography. This document aims to provide practical guidance on the safe and effective use of contrast; reviews the role of individual staff groups; and training requirements to facilitate its routine use in the echocardiography laboratory.