[The importance of measuring pulmonary venous flow using doppler echocardiography]

Pulmonary venous flow can be evaluated by means of pulsed Doppler echocardiography during transthoracic or even better during transoesophageal examination. In the majority a three-peak spectral curve is recorded with the highest positive wave during ventricular systole, a lower positive wave during ventricular diastole and a negative wave during contraction of the left atrium. The author discusses some factors which have an impact on the pulmonary venous flow and which must be taken into account for its correct evaluation. With regard to clinical importance the author emphasizes in particular the change of venous pulmonary flow when the pulmonary pressure in the left ventricle rises. The latter may be used for its estimation. The pulmonary venous flow is a useful parameter also for quantification of significant mitral regurgitation and the differential diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericarditis. With regard to the simple assessment, rapidity of assessment and its predictive value it is suited for routine use in the majority of echocardiographic laboratories.