Andrew J. Powell, MD, Chair, 2014 ASE Scientific Sessions Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Track

Carolyn A. Altman, MD Track Co-Chair

This is an important milestone year as the ASE Annual Scientific Sessions celebrates 25 years of the highest quality science and education in cardiac ultrasound. This year’s meeting will be held on June 21–24, 2014, at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon. The Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Track has been tailored to update you on all the important developments over the past year and to look beyond the horizon so you can prepare. There is a broad range of topics to meet the educational goals of physicians and sonographers at both the novice and expert levels. High attendance is expected on this anniversary year, so this will also be a terrific opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. The venue is spectacular, with unforgettable outdoor activities, exceptional restaurants, and exciting nightlife.

This year’s Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Track begins on Saturday with the always popular and informative session Echocardiographic, Pathologic, and Surgical Correlations in Congenital Heart Disease. Renowned echocardiographers, cardiac pathologists, and cardiovascular surgeons will give practical presentations relevant to congenital and adult sonographers and physicians. This year’s topics are truncus arteriosus, aortic coarctation and interrupted aortic arch, and common atrioventricular canal. The day concludes with a “can’t miss” event— Pediatric Echo Jeopardy . This no-holds-barred competition will feature the Elite East, Super Central, and Wild West teams. Root for your favorite and test your knowledge at this highly entertaining and educational spectacle.

We look to the future on Sunday with a session devoted to novel technology in echocardiography. Topics include new transducer technology, shear wave imaging, vortex formation imaging, and ultrasound contrast. Next, see the value of echo in action in a case-based session focusing on perioperative transesophageal studies that altered management with speakers from five high volume institutions and an all-star panel to offer commentary. The day wraps up with a deep dive into hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in pediatrics. Talks address imaging points, differentiation from athlete’s heart, and state-of-the-art management.

Monday starts out with an intercontinental affair—a joint session with European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging focusing on advanced left ventricular mechanics in pediatrics. Faculty will explore various metrics of ventricular function and critically evaluate their merits in clinical practice. Next, we take a broad view of our specialty by providing an important update on various quality improvement and training efforts that will soon impact your practice. Fetal echocardiography is always a favorite at the Scientific Sessions, and this year’s focus will be on relating imaging findings to prognosis and decision-making. Topics include the borderline small left ventricle, restrictive atrial septum, twin-twin transfusion, and neurodevelopmental outcome.

The last day, Tuesday, is the busiest, so plan to stay the whole day. It kicks off with an imaging pearls session with tips on assessing coronary arteries in Kawasaki disease, valves by 3D imaging, patients on mechanical support, and vascular health. The latest science is then brought to the fore with presentation and discussion of the top-rated pediatric abstracts. In a bold juxtaposition, sober dialogue makes way for fiery debate in the annual Controversies in Pediatric Echocardiography session. Opponents will argue whether (1) echocardiography can reliably diagnose heart transplant rejection, (2) all pediatric labs should be accredited, and (3) strain measurements should be performed in all patients at risk for systolic dysfunction. The program concludes with an indispensable session devoted to adults with congenital heart disease. Faculty will demonstrate how imaging can identify suitable candidates for device closure of atrial septal defects, percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement, and aortic valve repair.

As you can clearly see, the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Track at the 2014 ASE Scientific Sessions will be a highly educational and entertaining event. Attendees will reap the benefits of 25 years of excellence and be inspired by the latest developments. We look forward to seeing everyone in the pediatric and congenital echocardiography community in Portland this June!