Echocardiography in the Nation’s Capital is designed to provide a practical review of the current uses and limitations of two-dimensional echocardiography, Doppler, and color flow imaging in the assessment of adult myocardial, ischemic, pericardial, and valvular disease. Traditional topics in the field of echocardiography including assessment of systolic and diastolic function, quantitative Doppler, and stress echocardiography will be presented. In addition, newer techniques including 3D echo and strain imaging will be discussed.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, learners should be able to:

• Apply Doppler principles and hemodynamics to the assessment of valvular heart disease and the systematic assessment of prosthetic valves;
• Utilize the proper technique for the assessment and clinical application of diastolic function;
• Recognize the impact of appropriate use criteria for the echo assessment of ischemic heart disease and understand the echocardiographic features of mechanical complications of myocardial infarction;
• Recognize the role of new technology in the field of echocardiography including 3D and interventional echo and strain imaging;
• Identify characteristic echocardiographic features of cardiac tumors and masses, their pathologic correlates, and how they can be diferentiated from artifacts.

INTENTED AUDIENCE

This course is designed for physicians and cardiac sonographers who perform and interpret echo exams and wish to enhance their knowledge of the echocardiographic assessment of adult cardiac disease. Participants with a basic knowledge of echocardiographic techniques and applications will benefit most from this program.