Contrast echocardiography: the role of sulfur hexafluoride in achieving optimal results

Recent advances in contrast echocardiography have improved the non-invasive assessment of cardiac structure and function. The use of harmonic imaging in combination with ultrasonic contrast agents such as SonoVue® provides diagnostic information that was previously difficult or impossible to obtain by standard two-dimensional echocardiography. A large number of studies have shown the advantages of using an ultrasonic contrast agent during stress echocardiography and for myocardial perfusion imaging. We will review the main advantages of using ultrasonic contrast agents during echocardiographic examination.