Essential Echocardiography

This book provides a step by step manual for the complete echo-novice, focusing on the practicalities of performing an examination, and the interpretation of images. The book balances theory with practical step-by-step guidance, clear explanations and helpful illustrations. It starts with the basic concepts of how ultrasound works and moves on to how to perform an echo. Most of the chapters concentrate on assessing specific aspects of cardiac function and systematically cover normal function as well as the whole range of pathologies encountered in day-to-day clinical practice. The text avoids unnecessary technicalities, placing particular emphasis on the diagnostic features of example cases, and covering the entire breadth of adult cardiology. In addition to the still images the majority of the echo images will be presented additionally in a dynamic form in an accompanying CD-Rom that mirrors the presentation of the textbook. The combination of the book and the CD-Rom provides an unparalleled learning experience for people who do not routinely practise echocardiography. Another unique feature is a self-assessment section which presents case scenarios and images for interpretation. This provides invaluable feedback on diagnostic skills, and reinforces the teaching of the main textbook.  New to this edition The full text of the book is available on the Expert Consult platform There are new chapters on 3D echo and right ventricular pathologies. The text has been fully updated and there are more than 200 new images to illustrate state-of-the-art echo. The presentation of the echo images has been simplified with the addition of a fold-out flap on the book referencing the key areas of anatomical detail. The text now includes the latest recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography as well as the equivalents from the British Society of Echocardiography Author Info By Alisdair Ryding, BSc, MBChB, MRCP, PhD, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist,Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Norwich, UK; Honorary Consultant Cardiologist, James Paget University Hospital, UK Contents Getting started The cardiac chambers The valves Inside and outside the heart Approach to examining and reporting Other echo techniques Self-assessment cases Appendices