Pulmonary Embolism Management: Unraveling Controversies and Exploring Cutting-Edge Strategies (PG)-PE POCUS CHEST

PE POCUS CHEST

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The document titled "Sound Waves of Clarity" by Dr. Maulin Patel discusses significant transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) views related to right ventricular (RV) failure. The lesson objectives include distinguishing between acute and chronic RV failure using echocardiographic images, understanding European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommended RV views, and identifying practical approaches to these evaluations.<br /><br />The text presents an echocardiographic quiz on identifying markers of RV dysfunction in pulmonary embolism (PE), with options including McConnell’s Sign, TAPSE (Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion), RV:LV ratio, TR Pulmonary Gradient (TRPG), and S’ velocity. Among those, McConnell's Sign and TAPSE measurements are emphasized as indicators of RV dysfunction. Specifically, McConnell's Sign is characterized by akinesia of the mid-RV free wall with preserved motion at the apex, indicating RV dysfunction in acute PE.<br /><br />TAPSE is another assessment tool highlighted for evaluating RV function. It measures the movement of the lateral tricuspid annulus towards the apex during systole, with normal values between 15 to 25 mm; values less than 16 mm suggest abnormal RV function.<br /><br />The document mentions guidelines by the European Society of Cardiology for managing acute PE, underscoring the association between RV dysfunction on echocardiography and increased short-term mortality risk, even in hemodynamically stable patients. These references suggest the importance of RV evaluation in clinical practice.<br /><br />In summary, the document centers on using echocardiographic techniques to assess RV function in the context of pulmonary embolism, emphasizing the prognostic implications of RV dysfunction as shown by specific echocardiographic signs and measurements.

Keywords

transthoracic echocardiography

right ventricular failure

RV dysfunction

pulmonary embolism

McConnell's Sign

TAPSE

echocardiographic quiz

European Society of Cardiology

RV:LV ratio

TR Pulmonary Gradient