Abstract Unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) is a rare congenital anomaly, frequently associated with early progression to severe aortic stenosis and aortopathy. We report the case of a 38-year-old woman who presented with difficult-to-control hypertension and progressive exertional dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed critical aortic stenosis (peak gradient of 183 mmHg, mean gradient of 125 mmHg, and valve area of 0.59 cm2), associated with mild aortic regurgitation and ascending aortic dilation (45–46 mm). Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography confirmed a unicommissural UAV, as well […]

Abstract Mitral regurgitation (MR) with multiple jets is a highly complex diagnostic scenario, frequently encountered in Barlow disease and functional phenotypes associated with ventricular remodeling. Conventional two-dimensional methods (e.g., vena contracta width, color jet area, and hemispheric proximal isovelocity surface area) have important limitations in the presence of multiple regurgitant orifices, eccentric jets, the Coanda effect, overlap of flow convergence zones, or noncircular annular geometry, which may lead to underestimation of volume overload. Three-dimensional echocardiography overcomes part of these limitations […]

Abstract Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is one of the most significant innovations in contemporary cardiovascular clinical practice, serving as an extension of the bedside physical examination. This executive summary outlines the Position Statement from the Department of Cardiovascular Imaging of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (DIC-SBC), published in 2026, covering the key domains of cardiovascular POCUS application: cardiac assessment, lung ultrasound, assessment of systemic venous congestion (VExUS), screening for deep vein thrombosis, management of circulatory shock, short-term mechanical circulatory support, emergency […]

Abstract Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major global public health challenge because of its substantial morbidity and mortality, predominantly affecting the mitral valve. Although its prevalence is higher in developing countries, the disease continues to be diagnosed, albeit less frequently, in developed nations. Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) has become a highly effective therapeutic option for appropriately selected patients, with its technical and clinical success being strongly dependent on careful candidate selection. This article reviews the key aspects of […]

Abstract Much of cardiovascular medicine has been built on evidence derived from predominantly White, male cohorts that do not reflect the diversity of the patient population. Consequently, reference values, devices, and algorithms may exhibit variable accuracy across groups, thereby compromising diagnostic precision. From the perspective of cardiovascular imaging, this review examines how underrepresentation in research translates into diagnostic inequities. We discuss scenarios where representation alters what imaging reveals: transthyretin amyloidosis associated with the Val142Ile variant in older adults of African […]

Abstract Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-galactosidase A deficiency, leading to the progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) in multiple organs. Cardiac involvement is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, making early recognition of cardiomyopathy fundamental to optimizing treatment and improving prognosis. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of electrocardiography, conventional and advanced echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the assessment of cardiac involvement in Fabry disease. […]

Abstract Background: Detection of intracranial involvement in acute hypertension traditionally relies on fundoscopy, a method with limited applicability at the bedside. Ultrasonographic measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has emerged as a rapid, non-invasive alternative. Objective: To synthesize evidence on ONSD in adults and pregnant women with acute hypertensive states, assessing the difference in measurements between groups and its diagnostic performance for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched […]

Abstract Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a genetic disorder caused by extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from plasma transthyretin in tissues following loss of its tetrameric structure, affecting the heart and nervous system. Objective: This study aimed to assess left atrial function in ATTRv and to discuss its relevance as a tool for early detection of cardiac involvement, as well as its prognostic value. Methods: This systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered […]

Introduction An aortic aneurysm is defined as a localized arterial dilation exceeding the normal vessel diameter by more than 50% or the expected diameter of the specific aortic segment by more than 2 standard deviations., The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) among individuals aged > 65 years is significantly higher in men.– AAA rupture is associated with high mortality, estimated at 80%-90%, particularly when prehospital deaths are taken into account. The management of this condition has advanced substantially, particularly […]

Introduction Heart Failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome in which fluid overload and congestion play a central role in symptoms, hospitalization, and mortality. Traditional methods for assessing congestion, such as clinical examination and natriuretic peptide levels, often lack sensitivity and provide limited information about the distribution and severity of fluid accumulation. Traditional bedside methods, such as auscultation for lung crepitations, chest radiography to detect overt pulmonary oedema, and palpation to grade pitting oedema, can help identify congestion. However, these […]