Table 3 The 10 commandments for optimal Doppler-echo scan of oncologic patients
From: Cancer therapy and cardiotoxicity: The need of serial Doppler echocardiography
1 | Quantify LV geometry (wall thickness, cavity diameters, relative wall thickness, LV mass). |
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2 | Search regional wall motion abnormalities. |
3 | Estimate ejection fraction by 2D apical views if wall motion abnormalities are evident. |
4 | Analyze standard Doppler indexes of LV diastolic function. |
5 | Record pulsed Tissue Doppler of mitral annulus for detection of increasing LV filling pressure. |
6 | Explore structural and functional valve features, in particular mitral and aortic valves. |
7 | Visualize pericardium in all ultrasound views (including sub-costal), particularly in patients at high risk (anthracycline, irradiation therapy). |
8 | Search ultrasound "comet tail" in patients at risk (anthracycline, irradiation therapy). |
9 | Scan carotids in patients treated by head and neck irradiation. |
10 | Perform stress echocardiography if coronary artery disease is suspected. |