Agitated Saline in Echocardiography: Uses, Benefits, and Insights

An agitated saline study, also known as a bubble study, is a specialized echocardiographic technique primarily used to assess intracardiac shunts and identify venous abnormalities. This procedure involves injecting agitated saline into a peripheral vein while imaging the heart in real time using echocardiography. Given that ultrasound waves are disrupted by air and gases, these microbubbles provide enhanced visualization of blood flow, allowing for the detection of abnormal communications or flow patterns.

Bubble studies are frequently ordered for patients with suspected strokes, transischemic attacks (TIAs), or hypoxemia. The location by which Providers inject the agitated saline can confirm clinical details that affect treatment plans. In this article, we discuss the uses of agitated saline in both common clinical scenarios and complex presentations along with expert imaging techniques.