Contrast echocardiography uses an intravenous agent to enhance cardiac imaging, improving endocardial border definition and enabling detection of intracardiac shunts such as patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Contrast echocardiography and bubble studies are not currently offered at Sonoworld. These procedures require intravenous cannulation, contrast agent administration, and clinical monitoring for adverse reactions. We offer a comprehensive standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) at £350, which provides detailed cardiac assessment without contrast agents. If you require a contrast echo or bubble study, please speak with your cardiologist for a referral to a specialist cardiac centre.
Contrast echocardiography involves the intravenous administration of a microbubble contrast agent (such as SonoVue) to enhance the visualisation of cardiac chambers and endocardial borders. It is used when standard transthoracic imaging is technically limited — for example in patients with poor acoustic windows due to obesity, lung disease, or chest wall deformity. Contrast significantly improves the assessment of left ventricular function and wall motion.
A bubble study (agitated saline contrast) is a simpler form of contrast echocardiography used specifically to detect intracardiac right-to-left shunts, most commonly patent foramen ovale (PFO). It involves injecting agitated saline intravenously and observing whether microbubbles cross from the right heart to the left heart. Both procedures require intravenous access and clinical monitoring.
A comprehensive resting transthoracic echo assessing heart valves, chambers, wall motion, ejection fraction, and Doppler flow. No contrast agents or intravenous access required.
View & Book — £350Assessment of carotid artery stenosis — relevant for patients with cryptogenic stroke or TIA where PFO is suspected as a contributing mechanism.
View & Book — £235Combines echocardiogram, carotid Doppler, and aortic aneurysm screening in a single appointment — ideal for proactive cardiovascular health assessment.
View & Book — £595Contrast echocardiography and bubble studies require intravenous cannulation, administration of a contrast agent or agitated saline, and clinical monitoring for adverse reactions. Sonoworld is a diagnostic ultrasound clinic and does not currently have the clinical infrastructure to perform intravenous procedures safely. We are committed to offering only services we can deliver to the highest clinical standard.
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves alone to image the heart. A contrast echo adds an intravenous microbubble agent to enhance image quality — particularly useful when acoustic windows are poor. For most patients, a standard echo provides excellent diagnostic information without the need for contrast agents.
A bubble study (agitated saline contrast) is used to detect patent foramen ovale (PFO) — a small hole between the upper chambers of the heart that is present in approximately 25% of adults. It is typically requested after a cryptogenic (unexplained) stroke or TIA in younger patients. The procedure involves injecting agitated saline intravenously and observing whether microbubbles cross from the right to the left side of the heart.
Contrast echocardiography and bubble studies are available at major NHS cardiac centres and private hospitals including the London Bridge Hospital, The Wellington Hospital, and The Heart Hospital (UCLH). Your cardiologist can arrange a referral. If you have private health insurance, your insurer can direct you to an approved cardiac imaging centre.
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram may occasionally detect a PFO using colour Doppler, but it is not the most sensitive method. A bubble study (agitated saline contrast) is the standard investigation for PFO detection. A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) with bubble study provides the highest sensitivity. If PFO detection is the primary clinical question, a contrast or TOE study is recommended.
Tap to Call
