[Present possibilities of quantitative doppler echocardiography using pulsed and continuous technics. I. Evaluation...

In the submitted review the authors demonstrate contemporary possibilities of pulsed and continuous Doppler technique in the evaluation of valvular defects and the function of valvular prostheses. In case of stenotic orifices it is in particular the assessment of the pressure gradient by means of a simplified Bernoulli equation and calculation of the area of the orifice from the hydrodynamic continuity equation. In defects associated with regurgitation it is possible to assess the regurgitation volume and from the latter the regurgitation fraction or to use morphological evaluation of the regurgitation curve. Evaluation of the function of valvular prostheses by Doppler examination provides information on the severity of the obstruction as well as on regurgitation. Comparison of the Doppler examination with haemodynamic values obtained directly reported in recent years by various authors, revealed very satisfactory agreement between the two methods. Basic quantification of haemodynamics by Doppler echocardiography should become part of every echocardiographic examination in clinical practice and should contribute to a more accurate indication of surgical treatment.