Contrast echocardiography is recognized to be a safe, effective technique for evaluating the endocardial border and left ventricular function in patients who have suboptimal non-contrast echocardiograms. However, its use in diagnosing right-heart conditions is less well established. Herein, we report our experience with the use of contrast echocardiography for diagnosing 3 distinct right-sided heart conditions (hypokinesis of the right ventricular free wall, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and cardiac tamponade) in patients who had suboptimal echocardiograms. Further studies should be done to validate the use of contrast echocardiography for diagnosing right-heart conditions.
Keywords: Cardiac tamponade; contrast media; echocardiography/methods; heart valve diseases/ultrasonography; microspheres; tricuspid valve insufficiency; ventricular dysfunction, right/ultrasonography.