Remarkable advances in the field of contrast echocardiography have bee
n made during the last decade. interest in ultrasound contrast agents
that strengthen the backscattered ultrasound signal and improve image
display has stimulated further research. Echocardiographic contrast ag
ents providing left ventricular cavity image enhancement after intrave
nous injection are now available. A role for contrast echocardiography
in the assessment of myocardial perfusion has been established within
the invasive clinical setting. With the development of newer contrast
agents and new ultrasound technology, myocardial perfusion imaging us
ing contrast echocardiography after venous injection is no longer the
unattainable ''holy grail,'' but is fast approaching clinical applicab
ility.