Apr 30, 2019 — Echocardiography
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) are often utilized to enhance ultrasound image quality; however, concerns about adverse reactions have limited their use. Moreover, these agents had been either contraindicated or are labeled with a warning in patients with intra-cardiac shunts because of a theoretic risk of systemic microvascular obstruction. This labeling was recently removed in the United States, but data in these patients are lacking.
METHODS:
Over a 15-month period, patients receiving three different FDA-approved UEAs at our center were prospectively evaluated for clinically significant adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS:
A total of 5521 UEA administrations were performed (Definity® : 3306, Lumason® : 2137, Optison® : 78). There were 14 AEs (0.25%) reported (Lumason® : 0.05% [n = 1] vs Definity® : 0.39% [n = 13], P = 0.02). Back pain was the most common complaint (n = 9), followed by headache (n = 2), rash (n = 2), dyspnea (n = 2), and palpitations (n = 1). Among the 33 patients known to have intra-cardiac shunts, there were no AEs. Known right-to-left shunts with positive saline bubble study were present in 20 patients (Lumason® : n = 9, Definity® : n = 11). Left-to-right atrial shunts based on color Doppler were present in 10 patients (Lumason® : n = 5, Definity® n = 5). Three patients were known to have ventricular septal defect with left-to-right flow (Definity® : n = 2, Optison® : n = 1).
CONCLUSION:
Adverse events were significantly higher with Definity® ; however, overall incidences were low, and AEs were minor. Furthermore, no AEs were reported in patients with known intra-cardiac shunts. UEAs showed a good safety profile in our study and should be afforded to all appropriate patients, including those with known intra-cardiac shunts.
Authors: Kumar S 1, Purtell C 1, Peterson A 1, Gibbons P 1, Khan AM 1, Heitner SB 1.
1. Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Echocardiography. 2019 Jun;36(6):1041-1044. doi: 10.1111/echo.14344. Epub 2019 Apr 30.
