The EACVI Echo Handbook

Abstract Echocardiography has become the most requested imaging modalities. It is the first line imaging in the diagnostic work-up and monitoring of most cardiac diseases. Echocardiography is harmless and combines low-cost high technology with easy accessibility. The advent of the new modalities such as harmonic imaging, tissue Doppler imaging, speckle tracking, real time 3-dimensional imaging, ad contrast cavity enhancement have also contributed to expand the role of echocardiography. It provides rapid quantitative information about cardiac structure and function, valvular motion, vascular system and haemodynamics at bedside. This imaging technique is considered an extension of the physical examination. Proper technical skills and knowledge are required for the optimal application of echocardiography. Disease-focused and succinct, the present handbook covers the information needed to perform and interpret echocardiogramsaccurately, including how to set up the echomachine to optimize an examination and how to perform echocardiographic disease assessment, and the clinical indicators, procedures, and contraindications. Sections include assessment of the left ventricular systolic dysfunction and diastolic function, discussion on ischaemic heart disease, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathies, pericardial disease, congenital heart disease, and many other aspects of echocardiology. Many talented people have contributed to the present handbook, which represents the pocket echocardiography book flagship of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. This book is intended principally as a clinical guide to the broad field of echocardiography at a glance.