Imaging the right heart pulmonary circulation unit: Insights from advanced ultrasound techniques. Issue 8 (29th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrara, Francesco; Gargani, Luna; Ostenfeld, Ellen; D'Alto, Michele; Kasprzak, Jaroslaw; Voilliot, Damien; Selton‐Suty, Christine; Vriz, Olga; Marra, Alberto M.; Argiento, Paola; Stanziola, Anna A.; Cittadini, Antonio; D'Andrea, Antonello; Bossone, Eduardo
• Is Part Of: Echocardiography. Volume 34:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 1216
• Page End: 1231
• Publication Date: 2017-06-29
• Subjects: echocardiography -- lung ultrasound -- right heart pulmonary circulation unit -- strain -- stress echocardiography -- three‐dimensional echocardiography; Echocardiography -- Periodicals; Echocardiography -- Periodicals; 616.1207543
• DOI: 10.1111/echo.13594
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0742-2822

Abstract

Abstract : The right heart pulmonary circulation unit (RH‐PCU) is a key determinant of prognosis in several cardiorespiratory diseases. Although right heart catheterization is considered the gold standard for pulmonary hemodynamic assessment, a comprehensive cardiovascular ultrasound approach is an essential step in the diagnostic–prognostic clinical pathway of patients with suspect or overt pulmonary hypertension. The exponential development of advanced ultrasound techniques (strain, 3‐dimensional echocardiography and lung ultrasound) has led to new insights into the evaluation of RH‐PCU structure and function, overcoming some limitations of standard Doppler echocardiography. In the near future, exercise Doppler echocardiography may become a useful technique for detecting a latent stage of pulmonary hypertension and for evaluating right ventricular contractile reserve.