Echocardiogram

Question 1

Outline the indications for Echocardiogram

Answer 1

Transthoracic

• Assess ventricular function
  
  • LV: Ejection fraction (n=>50%)
• Assess valvular disease

Transoesophageal

• Visualisation of;
  
  • Aortic dissection
  • Prosthetic valv endocarditis

Question 2

Outline the uses of Doppler echocardiogram

How it works

Answer 2

Doppler principle: frequency of ultrasonic waves reflected from blood cells is related to their velocity

• Identify & assess valve lesions
• Estimate cardiac output
• Assess coronary blood flow

Question 3

Outline the uses of Stress echo

How it works

Answer 3

Exercise or pharmacological echocardiography

• Assess myocardial wall motion as a surrogate for coronary artery perfusion

Uses;

• Detect CAD
• Assess risk post-MI/ perioperatively
• Exercise ECG non-diagnostic

Question 4

Outline pharmacological stress Echo

Answer 4

Dobutamine used to increase myocardial oxygen demand

Question 5

What is Coronary Steal

What is Coronary Steal Syndrome

Answer 5

Narrowing of coronary arteries & coronary vasodilation = blood shunted away from narrowed arteries (blood taking route of least resistance ie low pressure/ less narrow vessels)

Ischaemic areas become more ischaemic

Syndrome is the symptoms produced