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RV systolic dysfunction in cardiac ultrasound refers to the impaired ability of the right ventricle to pump blood effectively, leading to reduced ejection fraction. This critical condition impacts pulmonary circulation and systemic venous return, often stemming from pulmonary hypertension, chronic lung disease, or left heart failure. Early detection via echocardiography is vital for appropriate medical…

LV systolic dysfunction, a key concern in cardiac ultrasound, refers to the heart's left ventricle failing to pump blood effectively during systole. This diminished contractile function impairs the heart's ability to circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body, often leading to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Detecting and assessing LV systolic dysfunction…

Heart transplant evaluation, in cardiac care, is a comprehensive ultrasound assessment to determine a patient's suitability for a heart transplant. This critical process involves detailed imaging of cardiac function, chamber sizes, valve health, and pulmonary pressures to identify advanced heart failure and exclude contraindications. Ultrasound helps assess myocardial viability and potential reversible conditions, guiding the…

Pericardial constriction and restrictive cardiomyopathy are distinct conditions affecting cardiac function, often challenging to differentiate clinically. Pericardial constriction arises from a rigid, thickened pericardium that restricts diastolic filling, leading to equalization of diastolic pressures across all four chambers. This is commonly identified by specific ultrasound findings like septal bounce and respiratory variation in ventricular filling.…

Coronary sinus dilation, in a cardiac context, refers to an enlargement of the coronary sinus, a large vein collecting deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle. This condition often indicates elevated right-sided heart pressures, such as in pulmonary hypertension or tricuspid regurgitation. Ultrasound, specifically echocardiography, is a crucial non-invasive tool for visualizing and quantifying coronary sinus…

Pulmonary hypertension assessment is a crucial cardiac ultrasound application, utilizing echocardiography to evaluate elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This non-invasive medical imaging technique helps diagnose and monitor pulmonary hypertension, a serious condition affecting the heart and lungs. Key parameters assessed include right ventricular size and function, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, and pulmonary artery pressure…

An atrial thrombus is a blood clot that forms within the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. These clots often arise in conditions like atrial fibrillation, where irregular heartbeats lead to stagnant blood flow, increasing the risk of clot formation. Detecting atrial thrombi is crucial in cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) as they pose a significant…

In cardiac ultrasound, spontaneous echo contrast, commonly known as “smoke,” refers to a dynamic, swirling pattern of faint echoes within a cardiac chamber or great vessel. This phenomenon arises from the aggregation of red blood cells in areas of stagnant or low blood flow, leading to increased backscatter of ultrasound waves. Often observed in conditions…

An LV pseudoaneurysm is a contained rupture of the left ventricular wall, typically a serious complication following myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, or trauma. Unlike a true aneurysm, it lacks endocardial and myocardial layers, instead being walled off by thrombus and pericardium. This critical distinction is vital in cardiac ultrasound for accurate diagnosis, as rupture risk…