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- Galderisi, Maurizio, et al.
(author)
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Standardization of adult transthoracic echocardiography reporting in agreement with recent chamber quantification, diastolic function, and heart valve disease recommendations : an expert consensus document of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging
- 2017
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In: European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging. - : OXFORD UNIV PRESS. - 2047-2404 .- 2047-2412. ; 18:12, s. 1301-1310
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims This European Association Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) Expert Consensus document aims at defining the main quantitative information on cardiac structure and function that needs to be included in standard echocardiographic report following recent ASE/EACVI chamber quantification, diastolic function, and heart valve disease recommendations. The document focuses on general reporting and specific pathological conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery and valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and systemic diseases. Methods and results Demographic data (age, body surface area, blood pressure, and heart rhythm and rate), type (vendor and model) of ultrasound system used and image quality need to be reported. In addition, measurements should be normalized for body size. Reference normal values, derived by ASE/EACVI recommendations, shall always be reported to differentiate normal from pathological conditions. This Expert Consensus document suggests avoiding the surveillance of specific variable using different ultrasound techniques (e.g. in echo labs with high expertise in left ventricular ejection fraction by 3D and not by 2D echocardiography). The report should be also tailored in relation with different cardiac pathologies, quality of images, and needs of the caregivers. Conclusion The conclusion should be concise reflecting the status of left ventricular structure and function, the presence of left atrial and/or aortic dilation, right ventricular dysfunction, and pulmonary hypertension, leading to an objective communication with the patient health caregiver. Variation over time should be considered carefully, taking always into account the consistency of the parameters used for comparison.
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| 2. |
- Popescu Chair, Bogdan A, et al.
(author)
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Training, competence, and quality improvement in echocardiography : the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging Recommendations
- 2020
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In: European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2047-2404 .- 2047-2412. ; 21:12, s. 1305-1319
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The primary mission of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) is 'to promote excellence in clinical diagnosis, research, technical development, and education in cardiovascular imaging'. Echocardiography is a key component in the evaluation of patients with known or suspected cardiovascular disease and is essential for the high quality and effective practice of clinical cardiology. The EACVI aims to update the previously published recommendations for training, competence, and quality improvement in echocardiography since these activities are increasingly recognized by patients, physicians, and payers. The purpose of this document is to provide the general requirements for training and competence in echocardiography, to outline the principles of quality evaluation, and to recommend a set of measures for improvement, with the ultimate goal of raising the standards of echocardiographic practice. Moreover, the document aims to provide specific guidance for advanced echo techniques, which have dramatically evolved since the previous publication in 2009.
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| 3. |
- Steeds, Richard P., et al.
(author)
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EACVI appropriateness criteria for the use of transthoracic echocardiography in adults : a report of literature and current practice review
- 2017
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In: European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2047-2404 .- 2047-2412. ; 18:11, s. 1191-1204
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) has outlined the rationale for setting appropriate use criteria (AUC) in cardiovascular (CV) imaging. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the most common imaging modality in CV disease and is a central tool in diagnosis, follow-up, management planning and intervention. The purpose of AUC is to inform referrers, both to avoid under-use, which may result in incomplete or incorrect diagnosis and treatment, and also over-use, which may delay correct diagnosis, lead to 'treatment cascade', and wastes resources. The first step in defining AUC for TTE in the adult has been for a panel of experts in echocardiography to review the evidence, guidelines, recommendations, and position papers from the European Society of Cardiology, EACVI and other specialist societies, and current state-of-the-art clinical practice. The attached document summarizes this work, which will be used to under-pin the development of AUC.
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