3 Doppler Techniques for Evaluation of MR!
Last week we discussed 3 measures to use with color Doppler for evaluating the presence of mitral regurgitation (MR). If you missed last week’s blog, or would like to refresh, you can find them here:
ASE guidelines
Secondary MR: Evaluating Mitral Valve Tethering
Last week we discussed clear & easy tips on how to evaluate different abnormalities of the mitral valve (MV) for primary MR. We also explained the Carpentier’s Classification concept and how it’s applied to various etiologies of the MV. If you need to refresh or missed our past blogs, you can find them here:
Essential Steps to Evaluating MR Etiologies
The ASE recently released their new 2017 valvular regurgitation updated guidelines back in April. The paper details the difference between primary and secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) and outlines proper evaluation methods for the most common pathologies seen. The past couple of weeks, we have discussed how to differentiate between primary vs. organic and acute vs. chronic. If you need to refresh or missed our blog, you can read them here:
Ultimate Guide to Acute vs. Chronic MR
As we continue our blog journey on the topic of mitral regurgitation, we hope you have been able to review our prior educational posts! If not, no worries– you can find them here!
Finally… Mitral Valve Orientation Explained!
Last week, we covered the basic anatomy of the mitral apparatus. We reviewed in detail, the various structures and their function. As we continue with our mitral regurgitation blog series, we want to touch next on, specific imaging windows to evaluate the mitral valve. Remember, when we examine the valve, we need to make sure we include all structures of the apparatus.
Mitral Valve Anatomy: Name 5 Components!
Last week we wrapped up our right heart blog series. Be sure to keep an eye out for our Right Heart E-Book that will be available soon!
6 Tips for Calculating RVSP
Over that past two months, we have discussed various methods for evaluating the right heart. Guided from the updated ASE chamber quantification guidelines, we have been able to elaborate on quantifying methods for:
5 Things to Know about Using Fractional Area Change (FAC) to Assess RV Function
Before jumping into assessing the RV with the Fractional Area Change method, lets recap the past couple weeks. Last week, we talked about two methods for quantifying the function of the RV (TAPSE & S’ Wave). We selected these methods to explain first due to ease, reproducibility and established prognostic value. As some of our readers pointed out and as we discussed the TAPSE and S’ Wave methods do have limitations though. The 3 main limitations are:
8 Tips to Correct RV Function Assessment with TAPSE & S’ Wave
We dedicated the month of April to learning about ways to implement right heart quantification into our routine exams. This month, we are going to continue that journey and discuss ways to evaluate the function of the right heart!
10 Tips for Correct RA Size Quantification
We have been discussing the importance of evaluating the right heart over the past few blogs this month. The ASE updated the chamber quantification guidelines that provided us with the correct methods to measuring size and function of the right ventricle (RV) and atrium (RA). This week, we are going to talk about the proper method to measuring the size of the right atrium! We will review both the preferred volumetric measurement methods and the linear measurements of the right atrium.