Transthoracic echocardiography findings - implications for clinical management.

BACKGROUND

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is commonly used for the evaluation of suspected or known cardiac disease.

OBJECTIVE

This article discusses the impact of TTE findings on patient management using seven case studies as examples.

DISCUSSION: Any abnormality on echocardiography should be carefully considered as to its severity, cause and potential to account for the patient's symptoms. Evidence based therapies should be instituted in the setting of a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and previously unrecognised myocardial infarction. Other abnormalities such as left ventricular hypertrophy or diastolic abnormalities suggest the need for more aggressive risk factor control. Patients should be referred to a cardiologist for further evaluation if the cause of TTE abnormalities or overall diagnosis is uncertain or the patient needs ongoing monitoring and treatment.