2DEcho || How to READ 2DEcho report || Echocardiography • Daily Cardiology

Summary

This educational script delves into the interpretation of echocardiogram (ECHO) reports, detailing the significance of various heart components like mitro and aortic valves, and their abnormalities. It explains terms like MVP, mitro anular calcification, and the implications of valve regurgitation and stenosis. The script also covers chamber sizes, wall motion abnormalities, and pressure gradients, concluding with the assessment of heart function and potential conditions like hypertrophic cardiopathy and heart failure. It emphasizes consulting a cardiologist for accurate diagnosis.

Takeaways

• 🔍 An echocardiogram report provides detailed information about the heart's structure and function.
• 🌟 The mitral valve (MV) is crucial, and its normal functioning means it is anatomically normal without issues like mitral valve prolapse (MVP).
• ⚠️ Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the valve doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward.
• 👴 Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common in the elderly and involves the fibrous ring of the mitral valve.
• 📏 Mitral valve area (MVA) is measured; values below 2 cm indicate mitral stenosis, which may require repair or replacement.
• 🚀 The aortic valve (AV) is vital, and abnormalities can lead to aortic stenosis, affecting blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
• 💔 Valve replacement surgery is indicated by the presence of a prosthetic valve, which is noted in the report.
• 🌡 The aorta's (AO) width is crucial; widths over 3 cm may indicate a life-threatening aortic aneurysm.
• 🏠 The left atrium (LA) size is noted, with dilations of over 4 cm² considered abnormal.
• 🧱 The interatrial septum (IAS) and intraventricular septum (IVS) are assessed for integrity, with defects like ASD and VSD noted.
• 💓 Left ventricular function is gauged by the ejection fraction (LVEF), with ranges indicating normal, hyperfunctioning, low functioning, or possible heart failure.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a transducer in a chest examination?

A transducer is a device used in chest examinations to capture images of the heart and its function, which are then printed on paper for further analysis.

What does MV stand for in a heart examination report?

MV stands for Mitro Valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, which is located between the left atrium and left ventricle.

What is mitro valve prolapse (MVP)?

Mitro valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition where the valve flaps do not fit and close properly, potentially causing blood to leak backward through the valve into the left atrium, a condition known as mitro valve regurgitation.

What does mitro anular calcification (Mac) refer to?

Mitro anular calcification (Mac) is a chronic, progressive condition involving the fibrous ring of the mitro valve, typically seen in elderly patients.

What is the significance of MVA in a heart report?

MVA stands for mitro valve area, which indicates the size of the mitro valve orifice. If the area goes below 2 cm, it can cause an impediment to blood flow, leading to mitro stenosis.

What does AV refer to in the context of a heart examination report?

AV refers to the Aortic Valve, which is situated between the aorta and left ventricle. Abnormalities in the aortic valve can lead to a condition called aortic stenosis.

What is the normal width of the aorta according to the script?

The normal width of the aorta is less than 3 cm. A width greater than 3 cm may lead to life-threatening conditions such as aortic aneurysm.

What is the significance of the left atrium (La) size in heart health?

The normal size of the left atrium is less than 4 cm squared. A size greater than this is considered dilated, which is not normal and may indicate a health concern.

What does IAS stand for and what does its integrity signify?

IAS stands for Inter-atrial Septum, which is the wall between the left and right atria. An intact IAS means the wall is normal, while an abnormality could indicate an atrial septal defect (ASD).

What is the normal width of the intraventricular septum (IVs)?

The normal width of the intraventricular septum (IVs) should be less than 1 cm squared. An increase in the size of the IVs may lead to conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

What does the term 'hypokinesia' refer to in the context of heart motion?

Hypokinesia refers to a decrease in the movement of the heart walls, indicating a reduction in the heart's pumping efficiency.

What does LVF represent and what is the normal range for it?

LVF represents the left ventricular ejection fraction, which indicates the heart's pumping capacity. The normal range for LVF is between 55% to 70%.

What does a normal 2D ECHO report conclusion look like?

A normal 2D ECHO report conclusion would state something like 'Normal LV and RV function, no RWMA, normal size chambers, normal valves, no MR, AR, TR, and PH.'

What is the difference between mild, moderate, and severe pulmonary artery hypertension according to the script?

Mild pulmonary artery hypertension is indicated by an RVP between 29 to 40, moderate by an RVP between 41 to 50, and severe by an RVP greater than 50.

What is the significance of the inferior vena cava (IVC) size?

The normal size of the inferior vena cava is between 1 to 2 cm. An increase in size suggests too much fluid in the body, which can occur in conditions like heart failure, while a collapsed IVC suggests dehydration.

What does the term 'vegetation' refer to in the context of heart health?

Vegetation refers to masses composed of fibrin, platelets, and infecting organisms held together by antibodies, which are generally seen on heart valves in conditions like endocarditis.