Contrast Echocardiography: Beyond a Black Box Warning?

Lester, Steven J. MD, FRCPC, FACC, FASEa; Miller, Fletcher A. Jr. MD, FACC, FASEb; Khandheria, Bijoy K. MBBS, FACC, FASE, FESCa
Volume 21(5), May 2008, p 417–418
“The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered.” - William J. Mayo
We concur with the comments of Drs Bhatia and Senior and suggest that every echocardiography laboratory striving to achieve excellence have a low threshold for considering the use of microbubble echocardiographic contrast agents when needed to optimize a study that does not clearly answer the questions being evaluated. Adopting new policies and procedures for the use of contrast agents will ensure that our goal of excellence is maintained, that laboratory efficiency is minimally affected, and, most important, that the care and safety of those we are entrusted to help is optimized.