[The present possibilities of quantitative Doppler echocardiography using pulse and continuous technics. II....

The paper presents a clear and concise description of potential ways how to evaluate selected haemodynamic indicators using Doppler echocardiography. The evaluation of the systolic function of the left ventricle is based on the estimate of cardiac flow volumes (i.e. minute and stroke volumes) established by the quantitative Doppler curve speed analysis at the orifice measured. More recent indicators are: peak velocity of aortal ejection, acceleration time or the absolute acceleration value. All the mentioned values can be also obtained during examination at exertion. By means of an analysis of the changes in values and on the basis of the value obtained from the examination at exertion, the authors try to discriminate the patients with a functional (most often ischaemic) myocardial affection of greater or smaller extent. The diastolic function of the left ventricle is evaluated to a certain degree by analyzing its filling using quantitative analysis of speed-time integral of the mitral diastolic flow. Other haemodynamic values obtained by means of speed curve quantification include: estimate of some intracardiac pressures values (systolic pressure in the right ventricle, medial pressure in the pulmonary artery, telediastolic pressure in the left ventricle) and quantification of the intracardiac shunts.