Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia that can occur alone or in combination with other clinical conditions. Its onset interferes both in common diagnostic algorithms and in their respective protocol procedures. In diastolic function assessments by echocardiography, it drastically changes the analysis sequence. This relationship becomes even more complex because diastolic dysfunction is onc cause of non-valvular AF. A group of conditions called “special populations” or “situations” in diastology also modify study algorithms, especially but not exclusively sinus […]

Abstract Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) plays an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of various heart diseases. The incidence of cardiac amyloidosis and aortic stenosis has been increasing in recent years, especially with the aging population, and their possible coexistence has created frequent diagnostic challenges in clinical practice. CMR assumes an important value in this context due to its unique capacity for multiparametric assessment evaluations that include anatomical, functional, and histopathological aspects. The present review aimed to increase […]

Abstract Mitral annulus disjunction (MAD) is an abnormal insertion of the flexion line of the mitral annulus into the atrial wall. The annulus presents a separation (disjunction) between the posterior leaflet–atrial wall junction and the left ventricular myocardial crest.1 MAD was first described more than 30 years ago in an autopsy study and is reportedly related to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in 92% of cases.2 Since then, several studies have been conducted, and reports on the prevalence of MAD in […]

Abstract The need to examine the heart using a three-dimensional (3D) tool is not new. This complex and dynamic organ has always required 3D and real-time understanding. Without this feature, the examiner has to transform two-dimensional images to understand its volume, which requires complex knowledge and approximation interactions. Echocardiography was invented three decades ago, and its improvements resulted in commercial products at the beginning of the century. Some studies demonstrate 3D equivalence with gains in handling the necessary time. We […]

Abstract Although assessing myocardial viability is a common cardiology practice, many physicians question the results of diagnostic methods. Nuclear medicine plays an important role in viability studies, but the reports require interpretation in a clinical and pathophysiological context. this article was aimed at reviewing the origin and evolution of myocardial viability. Here we present diagnostic methods by emphasizing nuclear medicine and provide a functional explanation of each test type using example images. We also propose how to act in these […]

Abstract Chagas disease represents an important public health problem, especially in endemic countries in Latin America. Chronic cardiomyopathy is its most frequent clinical presentation. Myocardial involvement has a multifactorial pathogenesis and can lead to heart failure, thromboembolic events, arrhythmias, and sudden death. In this context, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is an excellent noninvasive method for investigating myocardial damage and understanding the mechanisms and consequences of these injuries. CMR has high spatial resolution and tissue characterization capacity, enabling a highly […]

Abstract Historically, the role of exercise stress echocardiography in the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been neglected in clinical practice according to the analysis of the 2002 Guidelines of the American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association, which recommended caution use of this methodology in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy due to the risk of both cardiac arrhythmia and hemodynamic collapse on exertion. Exercise stress testing in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is currently part of the routine assessment of symptomatic patients […]

Abstract In recent decades, the increase in indications for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has been accompanied by an increased number of complications related to their use, including infectious endocarditis (IE). IE has high morbidity and mortality rates despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The case studies on this topic have significant limitations in terms of diagnostic criteria and methods, which affect decision-making on CIED removal and increase the risk of complications and death. Notwithstanding, echocardiography is critical for […]

ABSTRACT Cardiac neoplasms are divided into primary and secondary. Secondary neoplasms are 20 to 40 times more common than the primary ones. Although rare, primary cardiac neoplasms may be benign or malignant. Benign neoplasms are responsible for 75% of the cases. The main objectives of cardiovascular imaging are to define tumor morphology and etiology, identify potential complications and assist in the establishment of treatment. For the diagnosis of cardiac neoplasms, positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT) with fluorodeoxyglucose-F18 […]

Abstract Hypertensive Pulmonary Disease (HPD) can be defined as a set of pathophysiological pulmonary disorders that result in severe, progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is an easily accessible and essential imaging method for the evaluation of this disease, especially in children, where there are limitations to frequent and routine right-heart catheterization. In this review, we address the main echocardiographic techniques for the diagnosis and hemodynamic evaluation of pulmonary hypertension in the pediatric population. Early diagnosis […]