Cardiology - Echo

Question 1

Roles of Echo in Neonatal Cardiology

Answer 1

• Diagnose CHDs
• Assessment of cardiac function
• Assessment of Pulmonary HTN
• Monitoring for CV complications
• Pre-surgical eval
• Post-surgical monitoring
• Assessment of cardiac anatomy & blood flow
• Assessment of need for intervention
• Tracking developmental progress in pre-terms

Question 2

Echo for diagnosing CHDs

Answer 2

• Early identification and prompt treatment
• Detailed study of the chambers, valves, and blood flow can classify the defect, determine severity, and plan interventions
• B-Mode/2D for assessing structure, dimensions & wall motion
• Doppler for assessing blood flow direction, velocity, pressure gradients

Question 3

Evaluating cardiac function

Answer 3

• Systolic function with LVEF
• Diastolic function with A/E ratio (reverse of adults due to immature myocardium and reduced compliance)
• Monitors effectiveness of treatment (HF medication, mechanical support for defects)

Question 4

Assessing Pulmonary HTN

Answer 4

• Assess MAS and PPHN
• Right heart function, PA pressures & pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR)
• Tricuspid regurg (TR) (sign of elevated right heart pressures)
• Guides management of pulmonary HTN (inhaled NO, ECMO)

Question 5

Monitoring for complications

Answer 5

• Evaluating HF due to asphyxia, infection, or CHDs
• Assessing ductus closure and aortic dimensions
• Prevents future complications if signs detected early

Question 6

Pre-surgical Eval

Answer 6

Echo can help plan surgical repair of defects based on locations, severity, size, overall function.
Post-surgical monitoring assesses the success of surgery, complications (valve dysfunction) and residual defects.

Question 7

Assessment of anatomy and blood flow

Answer 7

• Assessment of valves for stenosis, regurg, correct development/formation
• Defects (ASD/VSD/AVSD)
• Aortic arch anomalies