Review articleDiastolic Function: A Sonographer’s Approach to the Essential Echocardiographic Measurements of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function
Section snippets
Imaging Views and Techniques
The echocardiographic acquisition of diastolic parameters is best accomplished when integrated within a standardized examination. Current state-of-the-art assessment of LV diastolic function is acquired from the apical tomographic imaging planes. Specifically, the sonographer presents apical 4-chamber, 2-chamber, and apical long-axis views that include the LV and the left atrium (LA). Every effort should be made to limit foreshortened imaging of the chambers to provide the reviewer with a
Assessment of LA Volume
Increased indexed LA volumes, obtained at the end of LV systole, have been shown to have clinically significant correlation with chronically elevated LV filling pressures.11, 12 Apical 4- and 2-chamber views allow acquisition of the required measurements needed to calculate LA volumes either by Simpson vs rule or the area-length method.10, 13, 14 Whereas LA volume determination by Simpson vs rule is accomplished by using the onboard calculation software of the ultrasound machine, the
Discussion
Our step-by-step approach and image-optimizing suggestions may be used to facilitate the essential echocardiographic diastolic assessment. A list of the measurements and their corresponding views and related imaging suggestions are provided in Table 3, Table 4. The comprehensive echocardiogram should include an assessment of diastolic function. An acquisition of diastolic filling parameters, readily obtainable in most patients, provides the reviewing echocardiographer with the necessary data to
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