Added value of contrast echocardiography in characterization of nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) is a group of noncoronary heterogonous myocardial diseases. The heterogonous nature of NICM has impeded its diagnosis. In the present case series, we demonstrate the added value of using contrast echocardiography in the characterization of NICM. Two patients of advanced age were admitted for possible acute coronary syndrome, which was subsequently excluded by coronary angiography. Conventional and contrast echocardiography revealed characteristic structural and dynamic features of the left ventricle that were compatible with two distinct NICM diseases: stress-induced cardiomyopathy and noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium. Contrast echocardiography characterizes the cardiac structure and allows for real-time assessment of myocardial motion and perfusion. It may help to distinguish diseases with different etiologies.