Atrial Septal Defect
Abstract Atrial level defects are reviewed distinguishing between true atrial septal defects and venous septation defects. Transthoracic and transesophageal approach to imaging these defects is reviewed with image and video…
Transesophageal Echocardiography for Cardiac Surgery
Abstract Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for intraoperative planning is well recognized by surgeons, cardiologists, and anesthesiologists. Current guidelines support the utilization of TEE in all open heart and thoracic aortic procedures,…
Other Cardiac Masses
Abstract Echocardiography often visualizes cardiac masses which may comprise true tumors, thrombi, and vegetations. However, there are a variety of other structures that may often be misinterpreted to be significant…
Ventricular Septal Defect
Abstract This chapter summarizes the basic approach for evaluation and characterization of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in adults. A brief description of nomenclature and associated cardiac evaluation is included. Finally,…
Pericardial Disease
Abstract The pericardium is a thin-walled structure composed of two layers, a serous visceral layer (epicardium) and a fibrous parietal layer, both of which surround and protect the heart. Between…
Pulmonary Hypertension
Abstract The echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary hypertension must include an appreciation of the interaction between the load imposed on the ventricle by the increased resistance of the pulmonary arteries and…
Prosthetic Valves
Abstract Echocardiography is an essential tool in the evaluation and management of patients with prosthetic valves. Its use requires an understanding of valve design, normal prosthetic appearance and function, imaging…
Appropriate Use of Echocardiography
Abstract Echocardiography is an important tool in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease. However, there has been concern in recent years regarding the rapid growth of echocardiography utilization. The…
Echocardiography in Malignant Disease
Abstract Approximately two out of every five people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime. Significant improvements in cancer care have improved 5-year survival for all…
Tricuspid and Pulmonic Valve Disease
Abstract Echocardiography plays a unique role in the assessment of tricuspid and pulmonic valve disease. Although the tricuspid and pulmonic valves are structurally similar to the mitral and aortic valves,…
