Abstract Echocardiographic assessment of mitral regurgitation (MR) is multiparametric and often challenging. The artifact known as splay has been described as an additional tool for estimating the severity of regurgitation. The term refers to a side-lobe artifact that forms a horizontal arc on color Doppler imaging. This same phenomenon can also be observed in other valvular heart diseases, such as aortic regurgitation. In 2020, Wiener et al. reported that splay was present in 81% of cases of significant MR, reaching […]

Abstract Fundamento: Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare form of infiltrative cardiomyopathy characterized by the deposition of proteins in the myocardium, resulting in increased wall thickness, impaired ventricular function, and possible progression to heart failure. Diagnosis is challenging due to the low prevalence of the disease and the nonspecific nature of its clinical manifestations. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to the analysis of medical tests emerges as a promising strategy for early detection, more accurate diagnosis, and timely initiation of […]

Abstract Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare large-vessel vasculitis that primarily involves the aorta and its major branches and predominantly affects women of reproductive age. We report the case of a woman who experienced an ischemic stroke at age 20 and a transient ischemic attack at age 53, with TA diagnosed only after the second cerebrovascular event. Although ischemic stroke is an uncommon initial manifestation of TA, early recognition and timely management are essential to prevent further complications and improve […]

Abstract Constrictive Pericarditis (CP) is an uncommon but potentially curable condition, typically presenting with right-sided heart failure and impaired ventricular filling. Diagnosis can be challenging and requires a structured approach that integrates various cardiovascular imaging modalities. This article offers a practical guide, based on evidence and clinical experience, for the step-by-step recognition of Constrictive Pericarditis, highlighting echocardiographic findings.

ABSTRACT Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a potentially severe manifestation of systemic sarcoidosis, associated with advanced atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden death. Diagnosis remains challenging due to phenotypic variability and the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods. Advances in imaging techniques, especially the combination of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using 18F-FDG and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), have revolutionized the diagnostic approach and therapeutic monitoring of CS. This article reviews current concepts of CS and its diagnosis, with […]

ABSTRACT Monitoring systemic venous congestion has become essential in the management of critically ill patients, enabling accurate diagnosis, severity grading, and prognostic stratification. Literature shows that congestion is strongly associated with the development of acute kidney injury and increased mortality when compared with optimized volume states. In this setting, intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) has emerged as an advanced and versatile tool. In addition to allowing detailed assessment of cardiac function, TEE is effective in assessing intravascular volume status and predicting […]

Abstract Right ventricular (RV) assessment using two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography has historically faced significant challenges due to the chamber’s complex and unique geometry and its thoracic orientation. In this context, three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has emerged as a promising tool to overcome and illuminate these limitations, enabling accurate quantification of volumes and ejection fraction without relying on geometric assumptions. As a result, the routine incorporation of 3D echocardiography into RV evaluation may redefine diagnostic and prognostic paradigms, fostering a more precise and […]

Abstract Pericardial effusion is a common finding in cardiology practice. It is frequently identified in outpatient and inpatient follow-up examinations, especially during the postoperative period of heart surgery. In clinically stable patients, proper assessment can allow for early detection of signs of clinical deterioration. In patients in shock, careful analysis of pericardial effusion can confirm or rule out this condition as the main cause of hemodynamic instability. Precise identification of the location, anatomical characterization of severity, and analysis of hemodynamic […]

Abstract The assessment of coronary flow reserve is an extremely important step in stress echocardiography, both within and outside the context of coronary artery disease. For some, it is seen as an impossible parameter; for others, it is essential. In any case, everything begins with the proper visualization of the coronary arteries at rest. In this article, we will address theoretical and practical concepts for incorporating coronary flow study into the routine of the echocardiographer.

Abstract Mitral stenosis (MS) is the main clinical expression of chronic rheumatic heart disease. In symptomatic patients with severe MS and favorable anatomy, percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) is the first-line therapeutic strategy. For the proper selection of candidates, the Wilkins-Block echocardiographic score was developed to characterize mitral valve morphology and predict eligibility for the procedure. This score includes four structural domains: leaflet mobility, valve thickening, degree of calcification, and subvalvular apparatus involvement, grading each parameter from 1 to 4 […]