Hemodynamic Evaluation of Rheumatic Valvular Disease with Doppler Echocardiography

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of two-dimensional echocardiography, in the late sixtees (1-3), it has undergone a lot of developments. It is now considered as the time tested, accurate, noninvasive method of demonstrating the cardiac anatomy. However, reliable noninvasive evaluation of cardiovascular hemodynamics was not possible until the introduction of Doppler echocardiography. Earliest application of Doppler was restricted to assess peripheral circulation (4). CONCLUSION: Doppler echocardiography has a profound influence on the clinical cardiology. It provides safe, non-invasive reproducible and reliable cardiovascular hemodynamics. Majority of the patients in the developing countries, undergoing surgery for rheumatic heart disease, are still young and do not require preoperative coronary angiograms.However for the best results, it is necessary to integrate the data with the clinical and other non-invasive parameter. Accuracy of information, like other technology, has learning curve and improves with experience.