Opacification patterns of cardiac masses using low-mechanical index contrast echocardiography: comparison with histopathological findings.

Background: Two-dimensional echocardiography is the main noninvasive imaging tool to identify cardiac masses but is unable to provide detailed tissue characterization.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the ability of low mechanical index (MI) contrast echocardiography to detect presence and amount of tissue vascularization as validated by histopathology study of cardiac masses.

Methods And Results: Twelve consecutive patients (5 females and 7 males, age range 51-82 years) underwent conventional and contrast two-dimensional echocardiography with low MI.

Dissection of the ascending aorta mimicking an acute coronary syndrome: usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography for the differential diagnosis.

We describe the case of 2 patients presenting with chest pain and electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia, in whom a transthoracic echocardiogram, performed urgently at the bedside, allowed a diagnosis of dissection of the ascending aorta. Prompt recognition of this condition avoided inappropriate aggressive medical treatments and permitted emergency surgical intervention. Aortic dissection can mimic other conditions including an acute coronary syndrome.