Echo contrast-enhanced diagnosis of atrial septal defect

Pulsed wave, continuous wave, and color how Doppler imaging as well as intr avenously administered agitated saline solution can detect intracardiac shu nts during transthoracic echocardiography. Ultrasonographic contrast agents have greatly improved the visualization of left heart chambers and can enh ance signals from blood flow within chambers and across valves, increasing the sensitivity of Doppler techniques. We describe a patient in whom the us e of echo contrast media during transthoracic echocardiography allowed the detection of a previously unseen atrial septal defect. Combining such modal ities may help to increase the sensitivity of transthoracic echocardiograph y and may eliminate the need for transesophageal echocardiography in select ed patients.