Author/Authors :
Nash، نويسنده , , Patrick J and Kassimatis، نويسنده , , Kathleen C and Borowski، نويسنده , , Allen G and Martin، نويسنده , , Maureen G and Reynolds، نويسنده , , Kathleen M and Garcia، نويسنده , , Cheryl A and Morehead، نويسنده , , Annitta J and Thomas، نويسنده , , James D، نويسنده ,
Abstract :
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is often technically difficult on patients in intensive care units. Contrast echocardiography can improve left ventricular wall visualization and the assessment of regional and global left ventricular wall motion. Our study undertook to determine what proportion of nondiagnostic TTE studies on patients in intensive care units could be salvaged (i.e., converted to diagnostic studies) with contrast. Ninety-two patients with nondiagnostic TTEs had a repeat study after contrast. Using predefined criteria, 51% of studies were salvaged with contrast. Female gender emerged as the only factor associated with less likelihood of salvaging a study.
