Transthoracic echocardiography and the standard examination of specific cardiac structures

ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 425-431
Author(s):  
Thomas Binder

Transthoracic echocardiography is by far the most frequently used imaging procedure in cardiology. Adherence to a standard protocol is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of cardiac structures and function. The protocol must include the minimal requirements outlined in this chapter. Two-dimensional imaging is performed from specific windows, such as the parasternal, apical, and subcostal ones. A number of standard cut planes are needed for a full understanding of the entire heart. M-mode, spectral, and colour Doppler are used to obtain additional anatomical and functional information. Advanced techniques such as deformation imaging, three-dimensional, or contrast echocardiography may be used if needed. A set of standard measurements, as outlined in this chapter, are equally important.

2021 ◽  
pp. 021849232110304
Author(s):  
Mehrnoush Toufan ◽  
Zahra Jabbary ◽  
Naser Khezerlou aghdam

Background To quantify valvular morphological assessment, some two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) scoring systems have been developed to target the patients for balloon mitral valvuloplasty; however, each scoring system has some potential limitations. To achieve the best scoring system with the most features and the least restrictions, it is necessary to check the degree of overlap of these systems. Also the factors related to the accuracy of these systems should be studied. We aimed to determine the correlation between the 2D Wilkins and real-time transesophageal three-dimensional (RT3D-TEE) scoring systems. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 156 patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis who were candidates for percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. To morphologic assessment of mitral valve, patients were examined by 2D-transthoracic echocardiography and RT3D-TEE techniques on the same day. Results A strong association was found between total Wilkins and total RT3D-TEE scores (r = 0.809, p < 0.001). The mean mitral valve area assessed by the 2D and 3D was 1.07 ± 0.25 and 1.03 ± 0.26, respectively, indicating a mean difference of 0.037 cm2 (p = 0.001). We found a strong correlation between the values of mitral valve area assessed by 2D and 3D techniques (r = 0.846, p < 0.001). Conclusion There is a high correlation between the two scoring systems in terms of evaluating dominant morphological features. Partially, mitral valve area overestimation in the 2D-transthoracic echocardiography and its inability to assess commissural involvement as well as its dependence on patient age were exceptions in this study.


Author(s):  
Madalina Garbi ◽  
Jan D’hooge ◽  
Evgeny Shkolnik

Echocardiography uses ultrasound waves to generate images of cardiovascular structures and to display information regarding the blood flow through these structures. Knowledge of basic ultrasound principles and current technology is essential for image interpretation and for optimal use of equipment during image acquisition and post-processing. This chapter starts by presenting the physics of ultrasound and the construction and function of instruments. Image formation, optimization, display, presentation, storage, and communication are explained. Advantages and disadvantages of available imaging modes (M-mode, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional) are detailed and imaging artefacts are illustrated. The potential biologic effects of ultrasound and the need for quality assurance are discussed.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. R13-R24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Rice ◽  
John Simpson

Congenital abnormalities of the left atrioventricular (AV) valve are a significant diagnostic challenge. Traditionally, reliance has been placed on two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) imaging to guide recognition of the specific morphological features. Real-time 3DE can provide unique views of the left AV valve with the potential to improve understanding of valve morphology and function to facilitate surgical planning. This review illustrates the features of congenital abnormalities of the left AV valve assessed by 3DE. The similarities and differences in morphology between different lesions are described, both with respect to the valve itself and supporting chordal apparatus. The potential advantages as well as limitations of this technique in clinical practice are outlined.


Scientifica ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi P. Badano

Three-dimensional echocardiography is a novel imaging technique based on acquisition and display of volumetric data sets in the beating heart. This permits a comprehensive evaluation of left ventricular (LV) anatomy and function from a single acquisition and expands the diagnostic possibilities of noninvasive cardiology. It provides the possibility of quantitating geometry and function of LV without preestablished assumptions regarding cardiac chamber shape and allows an echocardiographic assessment of the LV that is less operator-dependent and therefore more reproducible. Further developments and improvements for widespread routine applications include higher spatial and temporal resolution to improve image quality, faster acquisition, processing and reconstruction, and fully automated quantitative analysis. At present, three-dimensional echocardiography complements routine 2DE in clinical practice, overcoming some of its limitations and offering additional valuable information that has led to recommending its use for routine assessment of the LV of patients in whom information about LV size and function is critical for their clinical management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 171
Author(s):  
Juan Manuel Monteagudo Ruiz ◽  
José Luis Zamorano Gómez

Mitral stenosis is an important cause of heart valve disease globally. Echocardiography is the main imaging modality used to diagnose and assess the severity and hemodynamic consequences of mitral stenosis as well as valve morphology. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is sufficient for the management of most patients. The focus of this review is the role of current two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic imaging for the evaluation of mitral stenosis.


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