Introduction Atrial myxoma is the most prevalent primary heart tumor., Clinical manifestations of myxomas are usually nonspecific, and they may present with dyspnea, fatigue, reduced functional capacity, edema, and, eventually, cerebral embolic events with focal neurological deficits. Although they are classified as benign neoplasms, most commonly located in the left atrium, they can cause obstruction of intracardiac blood flow and, when friable, systemic embolism with consequent tissue ischemia., In spite of higher prevalence in women (65%), diagnosis during pregnancy is […]

Abstract Background: Traditional volumetric parameters have limitations in detecting subtle left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial work (MW) allow a more sensitive assessment of ventricular mechanics. Objectives: To evaluate changes in GLS and MW indices during isometric handgrip exercise compared with resting conditions. Methods: A total of 30 healthy individuals (29.3 ± 6.1 years; 50% male) were included in the sample. Echocardiography was performed at rest and during handgrip exercise (30%-40% of maximal strength). GLS, […]

Special considerations for the pediatric population, The pediatric perspective in cardio-oncology presents particular challenges, given that cardiotoxicity related to cancer treatment is not limited to an acute event, but represents a dynamic process that can interfere with myocardial growth and maturation over time. The vulnerability of the developing heart, associated with early exposure to potentially cardiotoxic therapies, confers a prolonged risk of progressive myocardial dysfunction. In this context, the use of more sensitive, reproducible, and integrated cardiovascular imaging strategies becomes […]

Abstract Mitral valve leaflet hypoplasia is a rare congenital anomaly, traditionally described in childhood but increasingly recognized in adults, often as an incidental finding or during the evaluation of mitral regurgitation. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous and depends on leaflet anatomy, the subvalvular apparatus, and the severity of regurgitation. In this narrative literature review, including case reports, case series, and review articles from nationally and internationally recognized journals, epidemiological and clinical aspects are discussed, with particular emphasis on echocardiographic findings. Posterior […]

Abstract Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) remains one of the most frequent valvular diseases encountered in echocardiographic practice. Mild cases generally do not require further investigation or specific treatment. Moderate and severe valvular disease, however, require more detailed anatomical and etiological assessment to better understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. Two-dimensional echocardiographic analysis is the initial examination of choice and should be performed in a standardized manner, with individual identification of the leaflets using the main transthoracic echocardiographic windows. The description of complementary […]

Abstract Agitated saline contrast is a simple, safe, widely available echocardiography technique. It is particularly useful for evaluating right-to-left shunts and pulmonary vascular abnormalities in the pediatric population. This article presents a practical approach to using this technique in pediatric echocardiography. It reviews the underlying physiological principles, the technical aspects of preparation and image acquisition, and the main clinical applications.

Cardiac amyloidosis is a classic example of an infiltrative disease whose predominant phenotype is characterized by a hypertrophic pattern of myocardial involvement., The most relevant studies—both those focused on the development of disease-modifying therapies and cohorts evaluating diagnostic tools—have used increased ventricular wall thickness as a key criterion for suspecting cardiac amyloidosis.– Based on this concept, several diagnostic algorithms have proposed ventricular wall thickening as one of the major red flags for investigating amyloid cardiomyopathy., However, increased ventricular wall thickness […]

Abstract All patients who are candidates for transcatheter closure of an ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) should undergo a detailed echocardiographic assessment using 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) prior to the procedure. It is essential for a comprehensive analysis of interatrial septal anatomy and for determining defect eligibility for the procedure. The type, number, size, location and morphology of the ASD, as well as the quality of the surrounding septal tissue and its relationship with adjacent cardiac structures, should be […]

Case Report A 58-years-old female patient was admitted with retrosternal chest pain described as a continuous, oppressive tightness that had started two days earlier, after a tooth extraction procedure performed under ineffective local anesthesia. The patient’s past medical history included diabetes, dyslipidemia, and ovarian cancer, and she was receiving aspirin, rosuvastatin, metformin, dapagliflozin, and semaglutide. Physical examination was unremarkable. The chest pain protocol was initiated, and the initial electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm with left anterior fascicular block, early repolarization in […]

Abstract Echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function and left ventricular (LV) filling pressures is fundamental to the evaluation of dyspnea and the management of heart failure. However, conventional algorithms have limitations in several special clinical settings in which rhythm disturbances, valvular heart disease, pulmonary hypertension (PH), or structural cardiac abnormalities interfere with the interpretation of Doppler parameters. This article presents a practical approach to assessing diastolic function in conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF), PH, mitral valve disease, mitral annular calcification, […]