Cardiovasc Ultrasoun
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Cardiovasc Ultrasoun · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEvaluation of ultrasound lung comets by hand-held echocardiography.
Ultrasound lung comets (ULCs) are a clinically useful sign of extravascular lung water. They require very limited technology (2 D-echo), and a short learning curve. The aim of the present study is to compare ULCs information obtained by experienced echocardiologists using a full feature echocardiographic platform and by inexperienced sonographers using a hand-held echocardiography system. ⋯ ULCs are equally reliable in the hands of highly experienced echocardiologists using full feature echocardiographic platforms and in the hands of absolute beginners with miniaturized, compact, and battery-equipped echocardiographic systems. From the technological and expertise viewpoint, ULCs are the "kindergarten" of echocardiography, ideally suited for bedside evaluation of patients with both known or suspected heart failure.
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Cardiovasc Ultrasoun · Jan 2006
ReviewCerebral blood flow during cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric cardiac surgery: the role of transcranial Doppler--a systematic review of the literature.
Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD) is a sensitive, real time tool for monitoring cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). This technique is fast, accurate, reproducible and noninvasive. In the setting of congenital heart surgery, TCD finds application in the evaluation of cerebral blood flow variations during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). ⋯ In this light, TCD plays an essential role in multimodal neurological monitorization during CPB (Near Infrared Spectroscopy, TCD, processed electro encephalography) that, according to recent studies, can help to significantly improve neurological outcome after cardiac surgery in neonates and pediatric patients.
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Cardiovasc Ultrasoun · Jan 2006
Case ReportsLeft ventricular free wall impeding rupture in post-myocardial infarction period diagnosed by myocardial contrast echocardiography: case report.
Left ventricular free wall rupture occurs in up to 10% of the in-hospital deaths following myocardial infarction. It is mainly associated with posterolateral myocardial infarction and its antemortem diagnosis is rarely made. Contrast echocardiography has been increasingly used for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction, with important prognostic implications. In this case, we reported its use for the detection of a mechanical complication following myocardial infarction. ⋯ This case illustrates the early diagnosis of left ventricular free wall rupture by contrast echocardiography. Due to its ability to be performed at bedside this modality of imaging has the potential to identify this catastrophic condition in patients with acute myocardial infarction and help to treat these patients with emergent surgery.
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Cardiovasc Ultrasoun · Jan 2006
Comparison of tricuspid inflow and superior vena caval Doppler velocities in acute simulated hypovolemia: new non-invasive indices for evaluating right ventricular preload.
Assessment of cardiac preload is important for clinical management of some emergencies related to hypovolemia. Effects of acute simulated hypovolemia on Doppler blood flow velocity indices of tricuspid valve (TV) and superior vena cava (SVC) were investigated in order to find sensitive Doppler indices for predicting right ventricular preload. ⋯ The S and AR velocities are of good values in assessing right ventricular preload. Monitoring SVC flow may provide a relatively noninvasive means to assess direct changes in right ventricular preload.