Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography in Congenital Heart Disease

Quantification of the Myocardial Microcirculation by Contrast Echocardiography In Adult Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

Patients with congenital heart disease in whom the right ventricle is exposed to pressure or volume overload show progressive systolic dysfunction of the right ventricle, the fact of which conveys substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the myocardial perfusion in these patients by myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in order to determine whether disturbed blood flow plays a role in the development of right ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• D-TGA or Fallot-Tetralogy or Healthy person
• written informed consent
• Age >= 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Anaemia
• Pregnancy and breast feeding
• Diabetes mellitus
• Contraindications to stress testing (ergometry or adenosine)
• Known adverse reaction or hypersensitivity against V08DA (SonoVue) or its components or against adenosine