If you have been following along with Parts 1 and 2 of this blog series, you have already learned how important landmarks are in scanning the abdominal vasculature. We provided a step-by-step method for identifying and imaging the abdominal aorta.
Abdominal Ultrasound for Echocardiographers: Branches of the Aorta Read More »
As sonographers, we have all commonly experienced the patient presenting with shortness of breath and unable to lay down flat for their echocardiogram. As we begin to scan the patient, we immediately visualize a large amount of fluid around the heart. Keeping our poker faces on point, we take
6 Clues to Determining Presence of Cardiac Tamponade Read More »
We love it when our readers post comments and ask questions. We respond to every question. A couple of weeks ago we were asked about the assessment of RVSP in the presence of wide open TR with poor TV coaptation. What a great question! We will answer that this week. Please keep your questions coming!
How Accurate is RVSP with Wide Open TR and Poor TV Coaptation? Read More »
In an early blog, Abdominal Ultrasound for Echocardiographers: Part 1, we reviewed some basic tips for echocardiographers scanning the abdomen. We reviewed artifacts, image orientation and patient positioning.
Abdominal Ultrasound for Echocardiographers: Aorta and IVC Read More »
Branches of the Aorta
Earlier, I mentioned the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). From a longitudinal approach, it is seen rising anteriorly and then turning and coursing distally, maintaining a parallel course to the aorta.
Abdominal Ultrasound for the Echocardiographer: Part 3 Read More »
We’ve all been in this situation…. our patient appears to have a very tight, calcified aortic valve which visually appears to be moderate to severe aortic stenosis. As we scan through our protocol, we obtain a peak aortic valve velocity of 3.3 m/s and mean pressure gradient (PG) of 23.6 mmHg.
Aortic Stenosis Low Flow, Low Gradient: What’s the hype?! Read More »
How often have you found yourself “in over your head” in the abdomen when trying to image the IVC and abdominal aorta? Is imaging the abdominal aorta part of your echo protocol? It is not uncommon for a patient to receive an abdominal ultrasound because the echo findings mentioned the presence of gallstones, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), or some other abnormality.
Abdominal Ultrasound for Echocardiographers: Part 1 Read More »
Last week we broke down the continuity equation to evaluate the severity of aortic stenosis. This week, we are going to discuss other methods that can be used to evaluate the severity of aortic stenosis. This blog will cover the following methods:
3 Additional Methods to Evaluating the AVA Read More »
Last week we broke down the methodology of the continuity equation to calculate the aortic valve area (AVA). If you missed it, you can find it HERE. The ASE guideline recommends using the continuity equation calculated AVA, peak aortic jet velocity and mean pressure gradient to evaluate and determine the severity of aortic stenosis (AS) present.
Top 5 Factors to Consider when Evaluating for AS Read More »
The evaluation and screening of aortic stenosis is a routine calculation performed on all complete echocardiograms. The detailed evaluation involves multiple key parameters that make up the equation that determines the aortic valve area (AVA).
Aortic Stenosis: Breaking Down the Continuity Equation Read More »