Introduction Contrast echocardiography (CE) uses ultrasound enhancing agents (UEA) that, when introduced into the bloodstream and subjected to ultrasound (US), contrast the blood due to the great reflective capacity of microbubbles. It completely opacifies the left ventricle (LV), with better definition of endocardial borders, Doppler signal enhancement, and myocardial perfusion (MP). Commercially available second-generation UEA are composed of high molecular weight gases surrounded by an outer shell of albumin, phospholipid, or polymer. These inert structures aggregate and remain within the […]

Abstract Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a neglected but prevalent disease in underdeveloped countries. Despite its frequency, it is still considered a rare disease. It is marked by the following findings: architectural distortion, ventricular filling changes, and segmental mobility changes affecting not only diastolic and systolic dynamics but also heart valve function. Apical thrombi can be formed in more advanced disease. In this case report, we revisit EMF and present the challenging case of a 52-year-old woman with New York Heart […]

Contrast echocardiography has shown invaluable utility in the clinical setting during the last 20 years. Most studies have demonstrated its successful application in different clinical scenarios. Ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) have evolved incredibly since their first-generation iterations at the end of the last century. From weak and short-term duration agents like Levovist™ to the development of fluorocarbons with simple storage requirements like Definity™ and Sonovue™, significant improvements have been achieved and the logistics in echocardiography labs became easier. Nevertheless, their […]

Abstract An unroofed coronary sinus is a very rare cardiac anomaly that is commonly associated with a persistent left superior vena cava. Its diagnosis is often difficult, but clinical signs and echocardiographic findings of an interatrial shunt should raise its suspicion. The authors describe the case of a child with chronic hypoxemia whose diagnostic work-up revealed an unroofed coronary sinus and persistent superior left vena cava.