ASE 2026 Research Spotlight 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Natalie Costantino
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Research Presented at ASE 2026 Highlights Innovations in Pediatric Heart Imaging
Study finds ultrasound enhancing agents can improve image quality, diagnostic confidence

(DURHAM, N.C., June 25, 2026)—New research presented during the American Society of Echocardiography’s (ASE) 2026 Scientific Sessions, June 26-28, 2026, in Aurora, Colorado, demonstrates that ultrasound enhancing agents (UEAs) can significantly improve heart imaging quality in children and young adults with congenital and acquired heart disease, helping clinicians obtain clearer and more accurate assessments of cardiac structure and function.

The study, “Improving Image Quality through Use of Ultrasound Enhancing Agents in Pediatric Echocardiography,” evaluates the impact of UEAs on image quality in pediatric transthoracic echocardiograms performed at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Investigators found that UEAs improved visualization of both the left and right ventricles, including in patients with complex congenital heart disease and advanced cardiac conditions.

Transthoracic echocardiography is used to diagnose congenital and acquired heart disease in pediatric patients, but it can be challenging to obtain optimal images in certain patient populations. The study’s findings suggest that, like adult patients, UEAs may help provide clearer images and greater diagnostic confidence.

“When caring for children with heart disease, the quality of the echocardiography images we obtain can directly influence clinical decision-making,” said Presenting Author Dr. Jarrett Linder, pediatric cardiology attending physician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “Our study demonstrates that UEAs can significantly improve visualization of the heart, helping physicians better evaluate cardiac structure and function when standard imaging may be limited. By improving diagnostic confidence with safe and effective technology, this approach has the potential to enhance care for children with complex heart disease and reduce the need for additional testing.”

Researchers reviewed more than 100 echocardiograms in 82 patients performed using UEA between 2021 and 2024 and found improvements in the visualization of heart structures. UEA was found to be clinically feasible and demonstrated a favorable safety profile. The findings support the opportunity to expand the technology’s role in pediatric echocardiography and congenital heart disease while also providing preliminary data to inform future research into UEAs’ broader clinical applications and potential impact on pediatric patient care.

ASE 2026 will feature more than 500 abstract presentations showcasing cutting-edge research on the latest advances in cardiovascular ultrasound and cases illustrating breakthroughs in patient care. This research study will be presented as a poster session on Sunday, June 28, at the Gaylord Rockies Convention Center. Learn more about ASE 2026 and view all research abstracts in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

About American Society of Echocardiography
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™. ASE is the largest global organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. For more information, visit the ASE website ASEcho.org or social media pages on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Bluesky.

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