Contrast Echocardiography Improves the Diagnostic Yield of Transthoracic Studies Performed in the Intensive Care Setting by Novice Sonographers

CE is effective in improving the diagnostic yield of transthoracic echocardiographic ICU studies performed by both novice sonographers and ESO. Using cardiology fellows to perform CE in this setting can be appropriate, particularly in after-hour situations, when ESO are not always available and the clinical question is left ventricular function. Results also suggest cardiology fellows can easily learn CE.