What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Echocardiography (n=363). Intervention: Contrast echocardiography. Primary outcome: Side effects.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the clinical safety profile and adverse effect frequency associated with contrast echocardiography.

April 25, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology

The safety of contrast echocardiography: Report of the committee on contrast echocardiography for the American Society of Echocardiography

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Key result

Contrast echocardiography proves safe with a ~0.06% side effect rate and no complications.

n=363

Why the study?

The relative safety of contrast echocardiography needed assessment due to concerns about potential side effects.

What is the safety profile and incidence of side effects associated with contrast echocardiography?

Population

363 physicians performing echocardiography

Comparison

Contrast echocardiography safety assessment

Design

Survey-based cross-sectional study

Authors

WBWilliam J. BommerUniversity of California, Davis PSPravin M. ShahCardiac Imaging HAHugh D. AllenPediatric / Congenital Cardiology

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Reassures clinicians on contrast echocardiography safety in practice; leaves open need for prospective studies confirming rarer events.

Key Points

To assess the clinical safety profile and adverse effect frequency associated with contrast echocardiography.
Survey administered to 363 physicians performing echocardiography to evaluate adverse event occurrences and procedural risks.
Fifteen physicians reported transient side effects following contrast administration, including neurologic and respiratory symptoms.
The overall risk of adverse events was 0.062%, with no residual side effects or complications observed.
Identified procedural hazards necessitate precautions against injecting visible air, particularly in individuals with a right-to-left shunt or indwelling arterial catheters.

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=363)

Structured PICO

What is the safety profile and incidence of side effects associated with contrast echocardiography?

Population

Survey of 363 physicians performing echocardiography to assess the relative safety of contrast echocardiography.

Exposure

Contrast echocardiography

Outcome

Relative safety and side effects of contrast echocardiographysafety

Contrast echocardiography is a safe diagnostic modality with a very low risk of transient side effects (0.062%), though precautions against air injection are necessary.

Cite This Study

Bommer et al. (1984) conducted a cross-sectional in Echocardiography (n=363). Contrast echocardiography was evaluated on Side effects. Contrast echocardiography carried a low risk for side effects (0.062%), with no residual side effects or complications observed.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69ecdb65eb2c6328dba62cd6 https://doi.org/10.1016/s0735-1097(84)80423-4

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The safety of contrast echocardiography: Report of the committee on contrast echocardiography for the American Society of Echocardiography

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Study Design

Structured PICO

Cite This Study

The safety of contrast echocardiography: Report of the committee on contrast echocardiography for the American Society of Echocardiography

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Study Design

Structured PICO

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider