Series Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Review the elements required to perform a comprehensive, accurate and quantitative echocardiogram in the evaluation of cardiovascular structure and function including the modalities of myocardial enhancement imaging, strain analysis and 3D echocardiography;
• Describe how to accurately interpret the presence and severity of valvular disease using echo Doppler;
• Recognize the potential pitfalls in the echocardiographic evaluation of acquired and surgical valve conditions;
• Describe the role of echocardiography in evaluating the patient with complex cardiomyopathies including those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, amyloidosis and heart failure;
• Illustrate the role of echocardiography in the imaging guidance of patients undergoing structural heart procedures; and
• Define the role of stress echocardiography in the assessment of patients for myocardial ischemia, heart failure and valve disease.