Echocardiographic imaging and quantification of myocardial perfusion based on interrupted contrast infusion

Echocardiographic quantification of myocardial perfusion, based on analysis of contrast replenishment foliowing destructive high-energy ultrasound impulses flash-echo). has multiple limitations. We present an alternative approach. based on analysis of conrrast replenishment afier brief interruptions of contrast infksion (ICI). Images were acquired in 8 isolated rabbit hearts at 3flow levels (baseline; 50% and 15%) during contrast infusion (Defnily) with flash-echo and, asfer ICI. Peak contrast inflow rate (PCIR) was calculated from ICI data and compared with Jash-echo dda. Clinical feasibiliQ was rested in 5 subjects with the ICI technique at rest and stress. In rabbit hearts, PCIR foilowed changes in coronary flow (p<0.0001) and had lower inter-measurement variability than the flashecho data. In humans, stress PCIR was 284±142% of resting value. ICI provides the basis for accurate and reproducible quuntification of myocurdial perfision and may consritule on alternative to the currently used techniques.