Abstract Background Few studies are using linear echocardiographic measurements for classifying the size of Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Objectives Investigate the relationship between ASD hemodynamic repercussions and ASD diameter to the mitral annulus diameter (MI/ASD) ratio and ASD diameter to the interatrial septum diameter (ASD/septum) ratio, and describe cutoff points to classify the size of the defect. Methods An observational, prospective, cross-sectional study, including subjects aged 1 month and 18 years diagnosed with isolated ASD. Hemodynamic repercussion was quantified by […]

Introduction Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is recognized as a first-line treatment for symptomatic patients with advanced aortic stenosis who are at high surgical risk. In inoperable patients with poor prognosis, it carries a risk for complications, such as myocardial infarction due to coronary occlusion, stroke, annular rupture, etc.¹ Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a syndrome that usually develops in the absence of overt coronary occlusion and signs of alternative diagnosis, including myocarditis. It presents with electrocardiographic changes, increased cardiac biomarkers, […]

Abstract Background: Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is highly prevalent and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. More recent guidelines have introduced the classification of Indeterminate Diastolic Function or Indeterminate Diastolic Dysfunction (IDF or IDD). Nevertheless, both diagnoses are still poorly understood in clinical practice, with variable prevalence. Objectives: Assess the understanding of IDF and IDD among non-echocardiographer cardiologists in Brazil. Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted among non-echocardiography readers cardiologists via mobile messaging platforms. A brief and anonymous questionnaire […]

Abstract Background Cardiac tumors are rare, and most are secondary (metastatic) lesions. Primary tumors, though uncommon, are typically benign, with myxomas being the most frequent and occasionally displaying unique features. Diagnosis often requires multimodality imaging. Case summary A 41-year-old man with a history of ischemic stroke and resection of an apical left ventricular myxoma presented for evaluation after a follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) revealed a mobile, ovoid apical lesion with high embolic risk, despite being asymptomatic. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) […]

Abstract Assessment of left ventricular systolic function is central to transthoracic echocardiography and remains essential in clinical practice and research. Although left ventricular ejection fraction is still the most widely used parameter, advances in echocardiographic techniques have broadened diagnostic assessment. This review summarizes key methods for evaluating systolic function, from traditional linear measurements to modern two- and three-dimensional volumetric approaches. The roles and limitations of the Simpson method, contrast echocardiography, three-dimensional imaging, myocardial deformation analysis, and artificial intelligence are discussed, […]

Ventricular septal morphology and cardiac development Anderson et al. convened international experts to propose a unified morphofunctional classification of ventricular septal defects, with emphasis on embryological features and ventriculoarterial connections. The authors critically examine the nomenclature currently in use and suggest that defect descriptions should encompass both their anatomical location and the borders involved. This approach integrates principles of cardiac development and allows, for example, differentiation between perimembranous defects in hearts with double outlet right ventricle and those with concordant […]

Introduction In contemporary cardiovascular imaging, one of the methods that has gained significant relevance by adding diagnostic and prognostic information is speckle-tracking–derived Longitudinal Strain, particularly the assessment of left ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS). However, although GLS evaluates global myocardial deformation of the left ventricle, it is highly dependent on loading conditions, which may interfere with the accurate interpretation of its results. In this context, an emerging technique has been introduced, also derived from speckle tracking: Myocardial Work (MW). Compared […]

Abstract Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) leads to abnormal myocardial structure and function in the absence of cardiac risk factors. Screening in the pre-clinical phase is not well established. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been measured as an important echocardiography parameter in asymptomatic patients. Objective: To describe the presence of early parameters of DCM in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without cardiovascular disease and to compare results against 2 control groups (CT groups). Methods: A total of 58 patients were […]

The increasing participation in high-intensity sports has expanded the role of cardiology in athlete screening and monitoring. Although Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is rare, it has a deep impact on society as a whole. Echocardiography is central in this setting, serving as the primary imaging modality to distinguish physiological remodeling in the athlete’s heart from structural cardiomyopathies. Prolonged and intense exercise induces adaptive phenotypic and physiological changes that enhance myocardial performance. These adaptations, known as “athlete’s heart,” are extensively studied […]