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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…

The parasternal short axis view is a fundamental echocardiographic window used to assess various cardiac structures and functions in ultrasound imaging. This view, obtained by rotating the transducer 90 degrees clockwise from the parasternal long axis, provides cross-sectional images of the left and right ventricles, interventricular septum, and papillary muscles, crucial for evaluating wall motion…

Right atrial enlargement (RAE) in cardiac ultrasound signifies an abnormal increase in the size of the heart's right upper chamber. This crucial finding often indicates elevated pressures or volume overload within the right atrium, frequently stemming from conditions like pulmonary hypertension, tricuspid valve disease, or right ventricular dysfunction. Detecting RAE is vital for diagnosing underlying…

The apical four-chamber view is a fundamental echocardiographic window, providing a comprehensive assessment of all four cardiac chambers: left and right atria, and left and right ventricles. This crucial view, obtained by placing the ultrasound probe at the cardiac apex, allows for the evaluation of ventricular function, valvular integrity (mitral and tricuspid valves), and the…

Right Ventricular (RV) enlargement, a critical finding in cardiac ultrasound, signifies an abnormal increase in the size of the heart's right lower chamber. This condition often points to increased pressure or volume overload within the pulmonary circulation, impacting the heart's ability to effectively pump deoxygenated blood to the lungs. Early ultrasound identification is vital for…

Left Ventricular (LV) function, a cornerstone of cardiac ultrasound, assesses the pumping efficiency of the heart's main chamber, the left ventricle. This crucial evaluation measures how effectively the LV contracts to eject blood into the aorta (systolic function) and relaxes to fill with blood (diastolic function). Abnormal LV function is a key indicator of various…

Cardiac tamponade physiology describes a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, severely compressing the heart. This impedes the heart's ability to fill with blood during diastole, leading to reduced cardiac output, hypotension, and potential circulatory collapse. Early diagnosis via medical ultrasound is crucial. Ultrasound plays a vital role in identifying tamponade physiology,…

Mitral regurgitation (MR) in cardiac ultrasound refers to the abnormal backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during systole due to incompetent mitral valve closure. This condition can lead to volume overload in the left atrium and ventricle, potentially causing heart failure. Early detection of MR is crucial for cardiac health,…