Strain, strain rate and speckle tracking: Myocardial deformation
Myocardial deformation: strain, strain rate, speckle tracking As previously discussed, the left ventricular wall can be subdivided into three layers: the inner lining (endocardium), a…
Archives: Chapters
Fractional shortening for estimation of ejection fraction
Fractional shortening (FS) for estimating systolic function Fractional shortening (FS) is calculated by measuring the percentage change in left ventricular diameter during systole. It is…
Ejection fraction (EF): Physiology, Measurement & Clinical Evaluation
Ventricular ejection fraction (EF) For several decades, ejection fraction (EF) has been the dominating method for assessing left ventricular systolic function. Ejection fraction is simple…
Left ventricular mass and volume (size)
Size and mass of the left ventricle Left ventricular mass is a flawed proxy for ventricular systolic function and load. The mass is, however, an…
Assessing left ventricular systolic function
Methods for assessing systolic function (contractile function) Several echocardiographic measurements are available to assess left ventricular systolic function. These methods elucidate slightly different aspects of…
Ventricular Pressure-Volume Relationship: Preload, Afterload, Stroke Volume, Wall Stress & Frank-Starling’s law
Ventricular Pressure-Volume Relationship Left ventricular pressure-volume relationship can be described by a loop diagram with volume depicted on the x-axis and left ventricular pressure on…
Myocardial Mechanics: Structure and Function of Myocardial Fibers
Structure and contractile function of myocardial fibers The left ventricular wall can be subdivided into several layers. These layers are similar to those seen in…
Left Ventricular Function
Left ventricular function and its echocardiographic assessment Cardiac function depends on a large number of parameters, including atrial function, valvular function, and ventricular function. A…
Standard Transthoracic Echocardiogram: Complete Imaging Protocol
The standard transthoracic echocardiographic examination This chapter presents a sequential series of images that comprise a complete standard echocardiographic examination. The image views are discussed…
Performing Echocardiographic Examinations
Principles of echocardiographic examinations In small children, it is possible to perform the entire transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with the child in the supine position. This…
