733 The perfusion score index in the subacute phase as measured with real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography correlates with infarct size in patients with acute myocardial infarction

The usefulness of contrast transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in aortic dissection has not been validated. With this aim we studied 82 consecutive patients with aortic dissection who underwent contrast TTE and transoesphageal echo (TOE). The results were compared with those obtained by or CT. Results: Contrast TTE diagnosed entry tear located in distal ascending aorta and aortic arch in 29 cases. TOE suspected only 8 of these. Contrast TTE defined false lumen entry flow severity in all cases and permitted the assessment of proximal descending aorta but was limited for distal thoracic aorta. In abdominal aorta, contrast TTE facilitated the diagnosis of false lumen drainage and distal re-entry tears. Comparison of proximal and distal descending aorta contrast pattern was very useful for understanding false lumen flow hemokinetics and pressures. Conclusion: Contrast transthoracic echocardiography is highly useful in assessment of aortic dissection, particularly in the upper third of ascending aorta, arch and abdominal aorta. Overall assessment of false lumen flow kinetics with contrast provides information that may be significant for improving management of this disorder.