Abstract Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most prevalent hereditary genetic disorder worldwide, and cardiovascular alterations are the main cause of death among patients with this disease. Therefore, the early identification of markers of sickle cell cardiomyopathy using echocardiographic parameters (Central Illustration) is essential for the appropriate management of the cardiovascular condition in these patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the use of echocardiography in pediatric patients with SCD, highlighting the main characteristics of the condition and the […]

Abstract Dyspnea is a common and potentially serious symptom whose traditional diagnostic approach, based on physical examination and complementary tests, may present significant limitations. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as an effective tool for the rapid and accurate assessment of this symptom, both in outpatient settings and in emergency and critical care environments. This article provides a practical, illustrated guide to the integrated application of POCUS in the evaluation of dyspnea, with an emphasis on distinguishing cardiac from pulmonary causes. […]

Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice and is associated with serious complications such as stroke and heart failure. The prevalence of AF is increasing significantly due to population aging and related comorbidities. In addition, advances in technology — particularly the detection of AF through wearable devices such as smartwatches — have enabled earlier diagnosis. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is a valuable imaging modality in electrophysiology and hemodynamic labs and is well-supported by the literature.– […]

Abstract Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), a parameter that can be obtained from transthoracic echocardiography or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), is capable of reflecting the longitudinal systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) and may change earlier than the LV ejection fraction (LVEF), estimated by usual methods. Furthermore, it also presents a correlation with global longitudinal strain (GLS), assessed by speckle tracking in two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. The importance of MAPSE extends to the ease with which it can be […]

Abstract Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. As these diseases share common metabolic pathways, patients with cancer are currently seen as having subclinical alterations with great potential for developing cardiovascular diseases (and vice versa). This tenuous interrelationship has led to the emergence of cardio-oncology (CO) as an area of study and discussion, with a major impact on the management of these cases. In clinical practice, CO is dominated by the dilemma of how to best […]

Abstract The quantification of myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) has demonstrated both diagnostic and prognostic value in various heart diseases. While ECV is typically assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), it can also be measured through cardiac computed tomography (CCT) imaging. This article discusses the application of CCT for myocardial ECV calculation, detailing the technique, its advantages and disadvantages, and its potential clinical applications.

Abstract Pericardial agenesis (PA) is a rare condition characterized by the partial or complete absence of the pericardium. The consequences associated with this condition can be quite serious. Therefore, understanding the peculiarities of this disease is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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, […]

Abstract Heart failure (HF) is a serious public health issue that impacts the mortality and morbidity of the global population. The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is clearly increasing, associated with population aging, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and cardiometabolic diseases. It is one of the most urgent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges nowadays. Additionally, the obesity phenotype of HFpEF may be associated with HF and occurs as a result of several mechanisms that are deleterious to cardiac function, […]

Abstract Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) is an increasing challenge in cardiology, marked by impairments in systolic and/or diastolic function. HFpEF patients often present with exercise intolerance, yet diagnosis is complicated by overlapping comorbidities, such as obesity and hypertension. Left ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) enables the detection of subtle systolic dysfunction, with studies indicating a stronger correlation between GLS and exercise capacity than ejection fraction (EF). In exercise echocardiography, GLS displays a characteristic bimodal pattern due to […]