Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

This session will explore the role of myocardial strain imaging in modern clinical practice, providing participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

• Identify the normal values for cardiac strain.
• Learn how to accurately measure myocardial strain.
• Analyze case studies of heart disease to understand the application of strain imaging.

The structure and function of the right side of the heart are influenced by a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions, yet they are often under-investigated. This review will explore the role of echocardiography in evaluating the right heart and emphasize the importance of utilizing specific parameters to assess its structure and function.

• Identify specific echocardiographic parameters and their role in diagnosis and treatment.
• Understand how routine right heart assessment enhances risk stratification.
• Highlight the importance of timely diagnosis to improve right heart disease management and guide appropriate interventions.

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It will cover indications for echocardiography and explore the potential role of advanced imaging techniques. The discussion will include the echocardiographic protocols recommended for transthoracic and stress echocardiography. Additionally, real-world case studies will be reviewed to demonstrate how to apply these principles in clinical practice.

• Identify hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and differentiate it from other potential differential diagnoses.
• Describe the indications for echocardiography and advanced imaging in patients with HCM.
• Apply specific protocols for evaluating HCM patients during transthoracic or stress echocardiography, interpret exam results, and discuss appropriate management options using insights from case studies.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the second leading cause of death in young athletes, following accidents. Echocardiography is often the first imaging modality ordered for athletes with symptoms, abnormal ECG findings, or concerning family history. It is essential for sonographers and physicians to understand how the heart chronically adapts to physical stress and to distinguish normal physiological adaptations from congenital pathologies that may increase the risk of SCD.

• Provide an overview of the prevalence and causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes.
• Explain Exercise-Induced Cardiac Remodeling (EICR) and the morphology and physiology of a normal "athletic heart."
• Identify common pitfalls in the echocardiographic evaluation of athletes and differentiate between EICR and pathologies associated with an increased risk of SCD.