Critical care echocardiography: Assessing left and right ventricular function in the intensive care unit

Authors

Pedro Salinas, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Vladyslav Dieiev, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Salinas P, Dieiev V. Critical Care Echocardiography: Assessing Left and Right Ventricular Function in the Intensive Care Unit. Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2024;45(1):58-73. doi:10.1053/j.sult.2023.12.007

Affiliations

St. Luke's Medical Center

Abstract

In this review we explore Left Ventricular (LV) and Right Ventricular (RV) parameters that intensivists can use to evaluate, manage, and monitor the critically ill. Understanding these parameters, their clinical relevance, and potential pitfalls, is crucial for thorough and accurate patient assessment and management. Critical Care Echocardiography encompasses all the advanced cardiac and non-cardiac skillset needed to integrate the findings of LV and RV size and function. We advocate for a physiologic approach to the critically ill patient, tailoring therapy to reverse the etiology while simultaneously supporting circulation based on a sound understanding of left and right ventricular pressures, volumes, and flow.

Type

Article

PubMed ID

38097023