Non-invasive assessment of coronary flow and coronary flow reserve by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography: a magic tool for the real world

Eur J Echocardiogr. 2008 Jul;9(4):449-57. doi: 10.1093/ejechocard/jen004. Epub 2008 Feb 19.

Abstract

Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, introduced in the echo-lab in recent last years, to measure coronary flow and coronary flow reserve, is a very attractive tool, totally non-invasive, and easily available at bedside. This review summarizes the actual possibilities of this tool, its multiple potential clinical applications and diagnostic insights, and its arising prognosis value, in coronary artery disease as in various settings affecting the coronary microcirculation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coronary Circulation
  • Coronary Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Echocardiography, Doppler*
  • Humans
  • Prognosis
  • Rheology
  • Vasodilator Agents

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents