Assessment of myocardial blood flow using myocardial contrast echocardiography.

Advances over the past 10 years have enabled the widespread use of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) to assess myocardial perfusion. This assessment is critical in evaluating the severity of coronary artery disease and the efficacy of pharmacologic, mechanical, or surgical interventions. MCE measures myocardial blood flow (MBF) by investigating flow velocity and myocardial blood volume. Although there are potential limitations to the use of MCE for determining MBF, its use is feasible in the experimental laboratory and in the clinical environment.