Andrew J. Powell, MD

The 24 ^th ASE Annual Scientific Sessions took place from June 29–July 2, 2013 in Minneapolis, MN. The pediatric and congenital Track ran throughout the 4-day meeting, offering attendees a comprehensive view of current and future practices in echocardiography for this challenging patient group. Beautiful weather, Minnesota hospitality, and a comfortable venue all served to enhance the experience.

As always, the tremendous scope of our field was on full display, with sessions focusing on fetal echocardiography, the challenges of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and adults with congenital heart disease. The popular Echocardiographic, Pathologic, and Surgical Correlations in Congenital Heart Disease sessions returned, anchored by echocardiographer/pathologist Stephen Sanders and surgeon Harold Burkhart. Throughout the day physicians and sonographers gained deeper understanding of atrial septal defects, double outlet right ventricles, and single ventricles. Everyday practice skills were augmented with sessions aimed at the implementation of strain, 3D echocardiography, and dyssynchrony measures. Attendees were also provided a forward look during a joint session with the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging on emerging imaging technologies including 3D strain, vortex flow, high resolution vascular ultrasound, and high frequency 3D echocardiography. There was no hanging back as meeting-goers also had a chance to test their knowledge during Pediatric Echo Jeopardy and take sides in the Controversies Debates , all while being entertained (and occasionally shocked) by the competitors. New this year were two symposia in collaboration with the other tracks. These focused on diastolic function and pulmonary hypertension, and contrasted the adult and congenital disease processes. Another innovative program development was live scanning from the Mayo Clinic of two adult congenital heart disease patients, complete with scanning and interpretive tips.

Echocardiography science remained a cornerstone of the program. A record number of high-quality abstracts were on display during the poster sessions. The oral abstract session, in which young researchers shared their insights, sparked interesting discussions and highlighted the drive toward quantitative measures of ventricular function. The diversity and strength of research in pediatric echocardiography was inescapable.

Importantly, the Annual Scientific Sessions provide a unique opportunity for the pediatric/congenital echocardiography community to gather, celebrate, and reflect. This year’s Founder’s Award in recognition of continued major scholarly contributions to the field of pediatric and congenital echocardiography was presented to Jack Rychik. His accomplishments include more than 170 publications, and serving the ASE as chair of the pediatric council and as a member of the Board of Directors. In his address, Jack thanked his family and mentors, hypothesized how fetal blood flow patterns may impact neurocognitive outcomes, shared Rychik’s 5 rules, and gave us a peek at his dog Lucky’s echo. The year’s Fireside Chat featured Jeffrey Smallhorn, a past Founder’s Award recipient, who recounted the early days of echocardiography and gave valuable advice about research, a balanced life, and Land Rover engines.

Planning is already underway for next year’s pediatric track at the ASE Scientific Sessions, which will be held June 21–24, 2014, at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. There will be a broad range of topics to meet the educational goals of physicians and sonographers, and to impact your practice. A diverse national and international expert faculty will again be recruited. This will also be a terrific opportunity to showcase your best science and interact with other researchers. The venue is spectacular, with unforgettable outdoor activities, exceptional restaurants, and exciting nightlife. We look forward to meeting you there!