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A cardiac thrombus refers to a blood clot forming within the heart chambers, a critical finding in cardiac ultrasound. These thrombi often arise in conditions such as atrial fibrillation or post-myocardial infarction, where blood flow is stagnant or myocardial walls are damaged. Early detection via echocardiography is crucial for preventing serious complications like stroke or…

Ventricular interdependence in cardiac ultrasound refers to the physiological interaction between the left and right ventricles, where changes in the volume or pressure of one chamber directly affect the other. This crucial concept helps sonographers understand how conditions like pulmonary hypertension or pericardial disease impact overall heart function, as alterations in right ventricular filling or…

Endocarditis vegetation refers to abnormal growths on heart valves or the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart, often indicative of endocarditis. These irregular masses are composed of platelets, fibrin, microorganisms, and inflammatory cells. Early detection via cardiac ultrasound is crucial, as vegetations can embolize, leading to stroke, pulmonary embolism, or systemic infections. Medical ultrasound,…

RV dilation, or right ventricular dilation, signifies an enlargement of the heart's right ventricle, often detected via cardiac ultrasound. This condition can indicate increased pressure or volume overload within the pulmonary circulation, impacting the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Early ultrasound identification of RV dilation is crucial for diagnosing underlying cardiac and pulmonary conditions,…

Pericardial thickening, when assessed in cardiac ultrasound, refers to an abnormal increase in the thickness of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. This condition often results from chronic inflammation, infection, or radiation therapy, leading to a rigid, less pliable pericardial sac. Early detection via echocardiography is crucial for managing symptoms like shortness of breath…

An LV thrombus, or left ventricular thrombus, is a blood clot that forms inside the left ventricle of the heart, often a complication of myocardial infarction (heart attack) or dilated cardiomyopathy. This "cardiac ultrasound" finding is crucial as these clots can dislodge and travel to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications like…

Epicardial fat pad refers to adipose tissue located between the visceral pericardium and the myocardium, predominantly found around the right ventricle and along the major coronary arteries. In cardiac ultrasound, it appears as an echogenic (bright) layer surrounding the heart. Its presence and thickness can be evaluated to assess cardiovascular risk. Understanding epicardial fat in…

Aortic regurgitation (AR), or aortic insufficiency, is a cardiac condition where the aortic valve fails to close properly, causing blood to leak backward from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. This extra volume workload on the left ventricle can lead to its enlargement and, over time, heart failure. Accurate diagnosis and severity assessment…

A cardiac myxoma, commonly identified through ultrasound (US) findings, is the most prevalent type of primary heart tumor. These non-cancerous growths typically originate in the left atrium, appearing as a heterogeneous, often mobile mass with variable echogenicity on echocardiography. Early detection via cardiac ultrasound is crucial for diagnosis and to prevent complications such as embolic…