Improved visualization of aortic intima-media thickening with the use of perflutren lipid microspheres.

Background: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been used to diagnose atherosclerotic disease for patients who present with systemic embolic events. The primary aim of this study was to assess the supplemental value of echocardiographic contrast to standard TEE in identifying the aortic intima-medial thickness.

Methods: An aorta phantom was used to validate the accuracy of border delineation with and without contrast during TEE imaging.