Pitfalls in the echo-Doppler assessment of diastolic dysfunction.
The Doppler echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is an essential part of the evaluation of heart failure, pericardial diseases, restrictive and infiltrative cardiomyopathies, and many other conditions.  However, the echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic function has several limitations.  The sonographer and physician must understand the technical factors, the effects of physiological and pathophysiological conditions, and the dynamics of pseudonormalization, all of which affect the evaluation. This article will review the most recent data essential for the proper performance and interpretation of a transthoracic or transesophageal Doppler echocardiographic examination of diastolic function.
Department of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center.
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PV
Grodecki
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Klein
D000075202:Contraindications; D003971:Diastole / Q000502:physiology*; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler / Q000379:methods*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans