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VARIOUS › CONTRAST MEDIA › ULTRASOUND CONTRAST MEDIA › Ultrasound contrast media
perflutren, phospholipid microspheres
V08DA04
Forms & Strengths
- Definity® perflutren lipid microspheres, lyophilized powder for reconstitution
- Each vial contains 1.3 mg perflutren (≈0.5 mL of reconstituted suspension)
- Supplied in single‑use vials with 0.25 mL aliquot option
Adult Dosing
- 0.1 mL bolus IV injection for left‑ventricular opacification; may repeat up to total 0.5 mL
- If needed, continuous infusion 0.5 mL over 5–10 seconds for myocardial perfusion
Pediatric Dosing
- 0.03 mL/kg IV bolus (max 0.1 mL) for echocardiographic enhancement
- Repeat doses permitted up to total 0.3 mL depending on age and weight
Indications
- Contrast echocardiography to improve endocardial border definition
- Assessment of left‑ventricular function in patients with suboptimal images
- Myocardial perfusion imaging during stress echocardiography
Mechanism of Action
- Octafluoropropane gas encapsulated in phospholipid shell forms microbubbles
- Microbubbles remain intravascular and reflect ultrasound, increasing backscatter
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to perflutren or phospholipid components
- Right‑to‑left cardiac shunt
- Severe pulmonary hypertension (mean PAP > 50 mmHg)
- Unstable cardiovascular status (e.g., acute arrhythmia, recent MI)
Adverse Reactions
- Transient headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Hypotension or transient hypertension
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Anaphylactoid or severe allergic reactions (rare)
- Arrhythmias
Drug Interactions
- Concurrent vasodilators (e.g., nitroglycerin) may accentuate hypotension
- Beta‑blockers can blunt stress‑induced heart‑rate response affecting perfusion interpretation
- Other ultrasound contrast agents should not be co‑administered
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use