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.

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.