Summary
Newly developed Intelligent Component
Architecture provides greater image quality for
echocardiography and enables more accurate
diagnosis. The increase in sensitivity of color
flow Doppler accurately represents the
hemodynamics of the heart.
Introduction
Recent breakthroughs in ultrasound technology have enabled
the development of new imaging techniques to enhance
imaging sensitivity and provide more accurate diagnosis.
Toshiba's unique Intelligent Component Architecture (ICA)
facilitates the use of compound imaging and pulsed
subtraction techniques. Pulsed Subtraction technology
utilizes filtered harmonics to maximize resolution, plus
inversion technique to maximize penetration. Compound
imaging and pulsed subtraction combine to produce
superior image quality and uniform image throughout the
entire field of view.
Quad Signal Processing (QSP) receives four lines of
information per every pulse sent. The resulting high frame
rate and high temporal resolution enable exceptionally
sensitive color flow images that accurately represent
hemodynamic events in the heart.
History
34-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath,
fatigue on little effort, and general weakness. The patient
was first sent for chest X-rays and PFTs and then sent to
the Echo Lab to assess the reason for CHF.
Technique
Complete 2-D, color, and spectral Doppler exam was
performed with an adult 30BT phased array transducer on
an Aplio 80 ultrasound system (SSA-770A, Toshiba
Medical Systems, Japan). Compound and pulsed
subtraction were combined to obtain views in the
parasternal long axis, short axis, 4-chamber, 2-chamber,
and sub-costal window to evaluate heart function,
chamber size, and valvular structures. QSP technology
was used with color Doppler to evaluate blood flow within
the heart and circulatory system.
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Findings
The echocardiographic exam showed severe mitral stenosis,
sclerotic aortic valve, and dilated left and right atria with
mitral regurgitation and severe tricuspid regurgitation.
Findings also showed decreased left ventricular function, with
global hypokinesis.
Diagnosis
A global decrease in left ventricular function was found due to
volume overload as well as probable pulmonary hypertension due
to tricuspid insufficiency. The most likely etiology of valvular
lesions is rheumatic heart disease.
Summary
Highly sensitive new ultrasound techniques give physicians a
new set of tools that allow more accurate and efficient diagnosis,
especially in difficult cases. The ability of these techniques to
produce high temporal resolution for color flow Doppler, and
accurately represent hemodynamic events in the heart make
echocardiography a crucial tool for non invasive diagnostic
imaging.
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