Levovist

Levovist: a contrast enhancing agent for ultrasound examinations

Levovist is a drug that increases contrast in ultrasound examinations. It is used for ultrasound examinations of the female genital organs, including the detection of congenital or acquired changes in the uterine cavity, visualization of the fallopian tubes and checking their patency (contrast hysterosalpingoechography). In addition, Levovist is used for echocardiography in newborns and children under 6 years of age, including for identifying hemodynamic defects of the right half of the heart, veins, etc.

Levovist is produced by the German company Schering AG and contains the active substance galactose. The medicine is available in the form of granules for the preparation of an injection suspension of 2.5 g and 4 g.

There are contraindications to the use of Levovist, including hypersensitivity to the drug and impaired galactose metabolism. When using Levovist, side effects may occur, such as a feeling of warmth or cold, pain at the injection site, paresthesia, hearing loss, loss of taste and dizziness.

The Levovist suspension must be used within 5 minutes; heating it and creating excessive vacuum must be avoided, as this can lead to a decrease in the concentration of microbubbles and the formation of large air bubbles. In the presence of inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs or heart failure, the use of Levovist should be carried out with caution.

Thus, Levovist is an effective means for increasing contrast in ultrasound examinations of the female genital organs and echocardiography in children. When using Levovist, you must follow all doctor's recommendations and follow the instructions for use.