Does contrast echocardiography with optison induce myocardial necrosis in humans?

Augmentation of cardiac protein delivery using ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction

“…While several studies have suggested that UTMD can cause capillary leakage and hemorrhage (Price et al 1998;Li et al 2003), others have shown that microbubble destruction has no adverse effects (Borges et al 2002). We have performed two studies examining potential bioeffects on the heart when using the settings shown in this protocol and have not found any relevant adverse effects Bekeredjian et al 2004).…”

Acoustic Attenuation by Contrast Agent Microbubbles in Superficial Tissue Markedly Diminishes Petechiae Bioeffects in Deep Tissue

“…While there are many reports indicating that contrast agent MBs have accrued an excellent safety record, [36][37][38] the Food and Drug Administration has recently requested labeling changes on Optison and Definity in response to complications in some patients. Although the topic of our study was MB-induced bioeffects, it is important to emphasize that our results should have relatively little bearing on these current discussions of contrast agent safety.…”

Doppler Contrast Echocardiography

“…The 2 nd generation agents used today, are safe, have the ability to cross the pulmonary circulation, are inert and have higher acoustic properties to aid in the evaluation of a vast spectrum of clinical dilemmas. Because of recent post-marketing concerns raised by the FDA, there have been several important, large studies reported that demonstrate and confirm the safety of these agents (Borges AC et al, 2002;Piscaglia F et al, 2006;Raisinghani A et al, 2003). In this chapter, the role of these contrast agents in augmenting the spectral Doppler profile for both right and left sides of the heart and including both regurgitant and stenotic valve diseases was highlighted.…”