Aerosomes myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) accurately detects resting myocardial perfusion abnormalities post myocardial infarction

A multicenter, Phase II, myocardial perfusion study with Aerosomes (phospholipid coated, perfluropropane/air containing microbubbles) was performed to evaluate safety and efficacy in patients post Q wave myocardial infarction (MI). Seventeen patients, 4 days to 6 months post Q wave MI received IV bolus injections of Aerosomes and were imaged at end systole (ES) utilizing second harmonic technique. SPECT ^99mTc Sestamibi nuclear scans were performed ±72 hours of the MCE study. Serial vital signs, 12 lead ECGs, urinalysis, hematology and blood chemistries were performed to 72 hours post MCE study. Composite, processed, ES ultrasound images were compared to the blinded readings of the ^99mTc Sestamibi images on a segment to segment basis. The population consisted of 13 males and 4 females with a mean age of 64.7±11.4 years. No serious adverse events occurred. There were no clinically significant vital sign, ECG, urine, hematology, or blood chemistry changes attributed to Aerosomes administration. Compared to the ^99mTc Sestamibi images, the MCE images with Aerosomes had a 92% sensitivity and a 87% specificity. A paired sign test comparing the two methods, yielded no significant difference between the methods. Aerosomes can accurately characterize myocardial perfusion comparable to ^99mTc Sestamibi inpatients with previous Q wave myocardial infarction.