Echocardiography
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Pericardial decompression syndrome (PDS) is defined as paradoxical hemodynamic deterioration associated with left, right, or bi-ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction following pericardiocentesis. It is uncommon yet under-recognized, underreported, and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. ⋯ PDS, although rare, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Left ventricular apical thrombosis could result from PDS in the setting of hypercoagulable state. Treatment of the underlying disease may lead to successful resolution of PDS and its complications.
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Artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches have become increasingly applied in the field of echocardiography to streamline diagnostic and prognostic assessments, and to support treatment decisions. Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been applied to aid image acquisition and automation. ⋯ Applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches in echocardiography in conjunction with health information databases may be promising in improving the classification and treatment of many cardiac conditions. This review article provides an overview of the applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches in echocardiography.
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A patient with heart failure due to nonischemic cardiomyopathy presented as a transfer to our institution following peripheral (femoral) venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) placement. With peripheral VA ECMO cannulation, the patient continued to have unstable ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Echocardiography demonstrated left ventricular (LV) dilation and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with clinical and chest X-ray evidence of pulmonary edema. ⋯ There was subsequent improvement in pulmonary edema. This case is thought to be the first demonstration of real time resolution of pulmonary venous flow reversal in a patient undergoing LA-VA ECMO cannulation. This demonstration offers important mechanistic insight into some of the potential benefits of such an approach.
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The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) led to a large influx of critically ill patients and altered echocardiography laboratory workflow. We developed a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) first approach to patients requiring echocardiography and describe our workflow and findings. ⋯ Our POCUS workflow allowed intensivists to perform cardiac sonography for rapid bedside diagnosis of pathology with immediate interpretation performed by echocardiographers. At least 3 views were obtained in the majority of cases.
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Observational Study
A pilot study on right ventricular longitudinal strain as a predictor of outcome in COVID-19 patients with evidence of cardiac involvement.
The aim of this investigation was to evaluate echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function and in particular right ventricular (RV) function as a predictor of mortality in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. ⋯ This study confirms that RVLS is a potent and independent predictor of outcome in COVID-19 patients with evidence of cardiac involvement.