Echocardiography is an important imaging modality for quantitative and qualitative evaluation of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and function. It has the proven advantages of providing dynamic, real-time imaging without exposing patients to ionizing radiation. The use of contrast during echocardiography, otherwise referred to as CE echocardiography, provides increased visualization of cardiac structures and blood flow. For the full potential of CE echocardiography to be realized in clinical practice, sonographers need to become well versed in contrast-specific machine settings, software utilization, and contrast administration techniques. In addition, sonographers need to be able to troubleshoot why certain images may be suboptimal and how to adjust machine, software, and/or contrast settings to improve their performance in practice and thus the diagnostic quality of the examinations they perform.
After completing this activity, participants should be better able to:
- Discuss accepted indications, applications, and techniques for CE echocardiography
- Review contrast-specific settings and protocols used during CE echocardiography
- Describe and identify suboptimal images and techniques, and
This activity is designed for sonographers interested in becoming actively involved and thus fluent in contrast-enhanced (CE) echocardiography.
This SDMS CME activity has been planned and submitted for approval of .5 hour of SDMS CME Credit Category AE by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS).
Release Date: 02/15/2026 | Expires 02/15/2027
Faculty and Planner Disclosures:
As an accredited provider of continuing medical education, it is the policy of Northwest Imaging Forums, Inc. (NWIF) to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its webinar activities. In accordance with this policy, faculty and planners must disclose any financial relationships with ineligible companies. Additionally, in the event a relevant financial relationship does exist, it is the policy of NWIF to ensure that the relevant financial relationship is mitigated in order to ensure the integrity of the SDMS CME activity. The planner has nothing to disclose.
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Kevin Darville, BS, RDCS (AE, PE), RVT, ACS, CEP
Director of Cardiovascular Imaging
University Medical Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, Texas
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Supported by an Educational Grant from Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
We are grateful to our faculty for their expertise and are privileged to work with them.
