Stories That Inspire Global Impact

Stroke volume (SV) estimation in cardiac ultrasound is a non-invasive method to quantify the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle with each heartbeat. This critical measurement is fundamental to assessing cardiac function and hemodynamics, often calculated by multiplying the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity time integral (VTI) by the LVOT cross-sectional area.…

Diastolic dysfunction, a critical term 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 elevated filling pressures and can result in symptoms of heart failure, even with preserved ejection fraction. Early detection via…

A restrictive filling pattern, commonly assessed in cardiac ultrasound, signifies impaired ventricular relaxation and increased filling pressures. This critical echocardiographic finding indicates that the heart muscle has become stiff, hindering its ability to adequately fill with blood during diastole. It's often associated with advanced diastolic dysfunction, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and fluid…

Constrictive pericarditis is a serious cardiac condition where the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, becomes thickened, fibrotic, and rigid. This impairs the heart's ability to fill properly during diastole, leading to elevated cardiac filling pressures and symptoms like fluid retention, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management. Cardiac ultrasound,…

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening medical emergency where excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart and severely impairing its ability to pump blood. This compression leads to decreased cardiac output, hypotension, and potential circulatory collapse. Early diagnosis is crucial. Ultrasound, particularly echocardiography, is the primary diagnostic tool for cardiac tamponade, revealing key…

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac condition characterized by an enlarged, weakened left ventricle, impairing its ability to pump blood efficiently. This leads to reduced ejection fraction and can result in heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular complications. Ultrasound, specifically echocardiography, is crucial for diagnosing DCM by visualizing chamber enlargement, wall motion abnormalities, and reduced…

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the left ventricle. This thickening can obstruct blood flow from the heart and make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and arrhythmias. In medical ultrasound, specifically…

Right heart strain, in cardiac ultrasound, indicates acute or chronic stress on the right ventricle, often due to increased afterload from conditions like pulmonary embolism or severe lung disease. This strain is visualized on echocardiography through signs such as right ventricular enlargement, paradoxical septal motion, and tricuspid regurgitation, signifying the heart's struggle to effectively pump…

Septal flattening, often referred to as the "D-sign" in cardiac ultrasound, is a crucial indicator of right ventricular pressure overload. This phenomenon occurs when the interventricular septum, typically curved towards the right ventricle, flattens or shifts towards the left ventricle due to increased pressure within the right heart chambers. It's a key diagnostic sign in…