Cardiac tumors
Cardiac tumors Cardiac tumors are rare. They can occur anywhere in the heart or surrounding tissue. Tumors can be localized in the myocardium, pericardium, perivalvular…
Archives: Chapters
Right ventricular strain: definition, causes, echocardiography
Right ventricular strain When assessing the right half of the heart, it is important to familiarize yourself with the principles of hemodynamics and conditions prevailing…
Endocarditis: definitions, causes, diagnosis, echocardiography & treatment
Endocarditis Endocarditis implies that a bacterial infection engages the heart valves and this is a serious condition. The focus of infection on the flap is…
Cardiac thromboembolism: cardiac sources of embolism
Cardiac thromboembolism Thromboembolism is a leading cause of death worldwide (1). Emboli originating in the atria, left atrial appendage (LAA), ventricles, valves, and proximal aorta…
Congenital heart disease & GUCH (Grown Up Congenital Heart disease)
Echocardiography in Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and Grown Up Congenital Heart (GUCH) disease Survival in congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased dramatically over the past…
Aortic stenosis
Aortic stenosis The aortic valve area is normally 3.0 to 4.0 cm2. Aortic stenosis is a progressive disease that leads to a gradual reduction in…
Aortic regurgitation
Aortic regurgitation Aortic regurgitation implies that the aortic valve leaks during diastole, such that blood regurgitates back from the aorta into the left ventricle. This…
Mitral valve stenosis
The mitral valve The mitral valve separates the left atrium and the left ventricle. The valve is attached to the mitral annulus, which is continuous…
Mitral regurgitation
Mitral regurgitation Causes of mitral regurgitation The most common cause of mitral regurgitation in high-income countries is age-related degeneration of the valvular apparatus. Age-related degeneration…
Pulmonary stenosis
Pulmonary (pulmonic) stenosis Pulmonary stenosis is virtually always a consequence of congenital heart disease. The stenosis can be fixed or dynamic, depending on the underlying…
