Principles of transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation.
Transthoracic echocardiography is the most widely used imaging test in cardiology. Although completely noninvasive, transthoracic echocardiography has a well-established role in the diagnosis of numerous cardiovascular diseases, and also provides critical qualitative and quantitative information on their prognosis and pathophysiological processes. The aim of this Review is to outline the broad principles of transthoracic echocardiography, including the traditional techniques of two-dimensional, colour, and spectral Doppler echocardiography, and newly developed advances including tissue Doppler, myocardial deformation imaging, torsion, stress echocardiography, contrast and three-dimensional echocardiography. The advantages and disadvantages, clinical application, prognostic value, and salient research findings of each modality are described. Advances in complex imaging techniques are expected to continue unabated, and this Review highlights technical improvements that will influence the diagnosis and improve our understanding of cardiovascular function and disease.
South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Hospital, Corner Elizabeth/Goulburn Street, NSW 2170, Australia.
Anita C
AC
Boyd
University of California, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Nelson B
NB
Schiller
South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Hospital, Corner Elizabeth/Goulburn Street, NSW 2170, Australia.
Liza
L
Thomas
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods; D025401:Echocardiography, Stress / Q000379:methods; D019560:Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis
D003287:Contrast Media