Quantitative Echocardiography

Abstract

As a complement to imaging cardiac structure, quantification of cardiac size, function, and blood flow is an integral part of echocardiography. This review provides information on the echocardiographic methods of evaluation with performance instruction and tips on obtaining accurate information. Quantitation using M-mode provides information on atrial, ventricular, and great vessel dimension and function. A review of the use of the Bernoulli equation outlines how echocardiographic measurements provide information relating to cardiac pressures. A discussion of the use of the continuity equation and pressure half time describes the use in valvular regurgitation and stenosis.