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Pericardial effusion grading in cardiac ultrasound classifies the amount of fluid around the heart, crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like pericarditis or heart failure. This "medical ultrasound" assessment categorizes effusions as small (less than 10 mm), moderate (10-20 mm), or large (over 20 mm), typically measured in diastole. Accurate grading guides clinical decisions, from…

An aortic dissection flap, in cardiac ultrasound, refers to the intimal tear separating true and false lumens within the aorta. This critical finding indicates an acute aortic dissection, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. High-resolution cardiac ultrasound, particularly transesophageal echocardiography, is crucial for visualizing this mobile flap and assessing its extent, confirming the diagnosis,…

In cardiac ultrasound, RV free wall motion refers to the contractility and movement of the right ventricle's free wall. This assessment is crucial for evaluating right ventricular function, which can be impaired in conditions like pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular infarction, or volume overload. Observing its kinetic patterns helps diagnose cardiac pathologies. Accurate assessment of RV…

Mitral stenosis, in cardiac ultrasound, refers to the narrowing of the mitral valve opening, restricting blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. This often results from rheumatic fever, leading to increased left atrial pressure and potential pulmonary hypertension. Early diagnosis with medical ultrasound is crucial for managing this progressive condition. Ultrasound imaging…

LV diastolic dysfunction, in cardiac ultrasound, refers to the heart's impaired ability to properly relax and fill with blood during diastole. This condition, often caused by stiffening of the left ventricular muscle, leads to increased filling pressures and can result in symptoms of heart failure. Early detection via echocardiography is crucial for timely management and…

Pulmonic regurgitation (PR), in cardiac ultrasound, refers to the abnormal backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle during diastole. This common valvular heart condition often results from pulmonary hypertension, dilating the pulmonary annulus and preventing the pulmonic valve from closing properly. Ultrasound imaging precisely visualizes the severity of PR, aiding in…

TDI (Tissue Doppler Imaging) is an advanced echocardiography technique that measures myocardial tissue velocity, crucial for assessing cardiac function in medical and ultrasound settings. Unlike traditional Doppler, which analyzes blood flow, TDI focuses on the heart muscle's movement, providing insights into systolic and diastolic performance. This non-invasive method helps diagnose conditions like heart failure and…

Pulmonic stenosis, in cardiac ultrasound, refers to the narrowing of the pulmonary valve, obstructing blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. This condition increases pressure on the right ventricle, often leading to its hypertrophy and potential right heart failure. Ultrasound provides real-time visualization of the stenotic valve, allowing for precise measurement of…

The E/A ratio is a crucial Doppler echocardiography parameter used in cardiac ultrasound to assess left ventricular diastolic function. It represents the ratio of early (E wave) to atrial (A wave) transmitral flow velocities. A normal E/A ratio indicates healthy ventricular relaxation and filling, while abnormalities can suggest various stages of diastolic dysfunction, a common…