In earlier blogs we discussed calculating the left ventricular mass (LVM) via the 2D Linear Cubed Method with assumes an ellipse shape with a major/minor axis ratio of 2:1. We received a follow up question from a reader: “Can you please provide the reference for NOT using cube method formula when major minor axis ratio is distorted?”
We recently posted a 2-part blog series on how to calculate LV Mass (LVM) and one of our readers provided some great feedback regarding the impact of height on LVM. We thought this reader’s comment was worth sharing and answering.
CardioServ is dedicating the month of April to right heart quantification awareness! This month we will present a series of blogs to review the proper methods to quantify right ventricular size and function.
This month we reviewed radiation safety and patient-centered nuclear cardiology protocols. To close out our March focus on nuclear cardiology, this week we will review IAC nuclear accreditation requirements for on-going Quality Improvement (QI) and provide easy steps to creating your own program.
This week we are continuing the discussion of the movement in nuclear cardiology towards patient centered imaging and the emphasis on reduction of radiation exposure. Many organizations are changing guidelines and standards to align with these principles, one of them being the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). Patient centered imaging is the focus of many changes in nuclear accreditation guidelines. In our last blog, we discussed 5 ways to reduce radiation exposure. IAC implemented all of these in their guidelines. Here is a quick review:
In recent years, there has been a large increase in the role of diagnostic imaging in the medical industry and with that has come increased radiation exposure. Many professional organizations have come together, including ASNC, AHA and IAC to address the issue of radiation exposure and how we can maximize the quality of diagnostic studies and patient safety while reducing radiation risk. March is Radiation Safety Month for CardioServ and we want to bring awareness of patient centered imaging. Success of nuclear cardiology is based on (1) education of clinicians and patients and (2) optimization of patient care through appropriate use criteria and proper imaging procedure for the individual patient.
Modality: Adult Echo TEE
Review the following images and see if you know what pathology is present! TEE images of LA and RA Color Doppler over the atrial septum demonstrating PFO.
As diagnostic imaging professionals, we often perform echocardiograms on patients with hypertension to monitor the thickness, strength and wall motion of the heart. Last week we launched our two-part blog on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). In part one we explained the pathophysiology behind the various categories of LVH along with the echocardiographic findings. We discussed how LVM and RWT plays a role in identifying the categories of LVH. This week we will answer the question: What is LVM and RWT and how do we obtain these values?
As a company founded by and ran by women, CardioServ is proud to support International Women’s Day! A few years ago, our CEO and founder of CardioServ, Judith, went to Haiti to assess the diagnostic imaging needs of hospitals and clinics within Haiti for HCM. HCM serves over 80,000 people who would not usually have access to healthcare as well as organizing other education, nutrition and sustainability projects.
Last month was designated American Heart Month to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, the leading fatality of Americans. AHA encourages our patients to take control over understanding their risk factors of heart disease including knowing their numbers related to blood pressure. Untreated hypertension can have a long-term effect on the heart causing hypertensive heart disease, which can include coronary heart disease (CAD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
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