Cardiac ultrasound

Pulmonary edema


Pulmonary edema – typical clinical conditions

Should be considered in particular with the following conditions:

– All respiratory compromising conditions
– All conditions with hemodynamic instabillity
– All cardiac failure patients
– COPD exacercabtion
– Shortness of breath, especially if arterial hypertension or hypotension is present
– Volume overload, verified or suspected
– Renal failure

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In case of suspected pulmonary edema, ultrasound imaging of the entire thorax is indicated

Pleural effusion – examples


The images and the video clip show 4 examples of pleural effusion

Notice:

– Black (or greyish) fluid collection in the thoracic cavity above the diaphragm
– Atelectasis of the lung
– Diaphragm is clearly visible
– Lung sliding is absent in the phrenicocostal sinus

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Correct tracheal intubation


The presence of lung or pleural sliding during positive pressure ventilation on both sides ensures correct placement of the endotrachial tube

The evaluation can take place anywhere on the thorax wall

The recording shows lung or pleural sliding in position 4

Notice: B-lines are present in D (normal finding in position 4 even in healthy people)

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Lung – or pleural sliding in position 4

Endocarditis – tricuspid valves


Findings in patient with endocarditis affecting the tricuspid valves. The video clips A and D are from the same patient

A, C and D are subcostal views for optimal display of the pedunculated masses

B is a modified 4-chamber view for optimal display of the pedunculated masses

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Pleural effusion – characteristics


The 2D echocardiographic characteristics of pleural effusion

Look for:

– Black fluid in the thoracic cavity – above the diaphragm (fluid can appear greyish)
– Atelectasis of the lung
– Diaphragm unusually clearly visible
– Lung sliding is absent in the phrenicocostal sinus

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Pleural effusion


Pleural effusion – typical clinical conditions

Should be considered in particular with the following conditions:

– All respiratory compromising conditions
– All conditions with hemodynamic instabillity
– All ICU patients
– All cardiac failure patients
– Cardio-thoracic surgery patients
– Infection
– Renal failure

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Pedunculated masses


Pedunculated masses – 2D echocardiography

The characteristics:
– Abnormal pedunculated masses
– The vegetations often originate from valve leaflets but may originate from any
cardiac or vascular structure
– Myxomas often originate from the left atrium
– Thrombus mainly originate from low flow areas, atrial appendages, areas with
reduced myocardial movement, or aneurysms
– Exerts their

Dilated, poorly functioning RV – PLAX view


Video clips of the parasternal long axis view

Notice:

– Enlarged RV (arrows)
– RV size >2/3 of LV size except in D where there is a concomitant dilated and dysfunctioning LV

Right ventricle enlargement and myocardial dysfunction is seen in right side myocardial infarction and pressure increase (pulmonary embolism and chronic pulmonary hypertension)

Often a tricuspidal regurgitation is seen on colour Doppler and continuous wave Doppler will disclose a RV pressure increase (advanced FATE level)

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Dilated, poorly functioning RV – S4CH view


Video clips of the subcostal 4 chamber view

Notice:

– Enlarged RV (arrows)
– RV size >2/3 of LV size
– Paradoxial movement of the interventricular septum

Right ventricle enlargement and myocardial dysfunction is seen in right side myocardial infarction and pressure increase (pulmonary embolus and chronic pulmonary hypertension)

Often a tricuspidal regurgitation is seen on color Doppler (advanced FATE level)

This view is not suitable for pressure measurement with continuous wave Doppler across the tricuspidal valve due to the angle of insonation (advanced FATE level)

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