Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is often technically difficult on patient s in intensive care units. Contrast echocardiography can improve left ventricula r wall visualization and the assessment of regional and global left ventricular wall motion. Our study undertook to determine what proportion of nondiagnostic T TE studies on patients in intensive care units could be salvaged (i.e., converte d to diagnostic studies) with contrast. Ninety-two patients with nondiagnostic TTEs had a repeat study after contrast. Using predefined criteria, 51%of studie s were salvaged with contrast. Female gender emerged as the only factor associat ed with less likelihood of salvaging a study.
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