Overview
Echocardiography provides real-time assessment of cardiac anatomy, function, hemodynamics, and blood flow. It is usually the first-line cardiac imaging modality because it is portable, widely available, and does not require ionizing radiation.
This section is organized as a practical reference for acquiring, interpreting, and reporting adult transthoracic echocardiograms.
Start Here¶
Cardiac Chambers¶
- Right Atrium
- Left Atrium
- Left Ventricle
- Diastolic Function
- Right Ventricle
- Interatrial and Interventricular Septum
Native Valves¶
Additional Structures and Conditions¶
- Prosthetic Valves
- Pericardium
- IVC and Right Atrial Pressure
- Aorta
- Intracardiac Shunts
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Interpretation Framework¶
A complete interpretation should answer six questions:
- Was the study technically adequate?
- What is the left ventricular size and systolic function?
- Is there important valvular disease?
- What are the right-heart findings and estimated pressures?
- Is there another clinically important abnormality?
- Comparison to previous studies?
Interpret findings in the context of the indication, rhythm, blood pressure, loading conditions, image quality, and prior studies.
Note
Italicized topics are planned pages. They will become links as the echocardiography reference is expanded.