[Optimal setting of focus points for myocardial contrast echocardiography with intravenous Optison (FS-69): an experimental study].

OBJECTIVES Myocardial contrast echocardiography is useful to assess myocardil perfusion, but myocardial opacification is affected by the setup of the ultrasonic equipment. The optimal setting of focus points for adequate opacification of the myocardium was examined in myocardial contrast echocardiography. METHODS Myocardial contrast echocardiography was performed in six dogs using triggered second harmonic technology following intravenous administration of Optison(FS-69). The short-axis view was recorded and baseline subtracted video intensity(peak intensity: PI) was calculated at three regions of the left ventricular wall, the anterior, septum, and posterior walls, to evaluate myocardial opacification. The focus point was set at near(2 cm), middle(4 cm) and far(6 cm)points. The myocardial opacification was evaluated at each focus setting. The effect of the acoustic power was also examined by changing the mechanical index to 1.6, 1.2 or 0.8. RESULTS Myocardial opacification was recognized at all focus points, and segments near the focus points had high PI. However, the PI of the posterior wall was lowest at near focus, whereas the PI of the anterior wall was lowest at far focus. The difference of PI between the anterior and posterior walls was significant (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively) at either focus point. Adequate myocardial opacification of all segments was observed when the focus was set at the middle point. The PI of the whole left ventricle increased relative to mechanical index. CONCLUSIONS Setting up of focus points at the middle of the left ventricle provides more homogeneous myocardial opacification of the whole left ventricle in myocardial contrast echocardiography, and high acoustic power possibly improves myocardial opacification. Inadequate setting of focus points leads to inadequate estimation of myocardial perfusion by myocardial contrast echocardiography.