Harmonic imaging for endocardial visualization and myocardial contrast echocardiography during transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract Background Although harmonic imaging (HI) improves endocardial visualization and is necessary for myocardial perfusion imaging, it has yet to be implemented in transesophageal echocardiography. Our goal was to determine whether HI implemented in a prototype transesophageal echocardiography probe improved endocardial visualization and allowed perfusion imaging. Methods In 23 patients, fundamental and harmonic images were obtained in the transgastric short-axis (TSAX) and midesophageal 4-chamber views, and reviewed for endocardial visualization by 3 readers blinded to imaging mode. In 14 additional patients, perfusion imaging was performed in the TSAX view during contrast infusion. Results HI improved overall endocardial visualization, most noticeably in the anterior and lateral segments ( P P Conclusion Use of HI with transesophageal echocardiography improves endorcardial visualization and allows partial assessment of myocardial perfusion.