Adverse reactions after the use of sulphur hexafluoride (SonoVue) echo contrast agent

The aim of the present study was to analyse the adverse effects of SonoVue echo contrast in a consecutive series of 352 cardiac patients during a 4-year period. During 352 consecutive cardiac SonoVue studies, seven patients (2.0%) experienced adverse effects. Four patients (1.1%) had mild allergic reactions causing skin erythema and mild sinus tachycardia, and three patients (0.9%) experienced a severe allergic reaction resulting in (nonfatal) shock. The reported incidence of adverse effects of SonoVue echo contrast in this consecutive series of cardiac patients seems markedly higher than those reported in a company postmarketing analysis. © 2009 Italian Federation of Cardiology.