Echocardiographic assessment of acute dyspnea in the CCU

Abstract

Echocardiography is essential in evaluating patients with acute and sub- acute dyspnea. Depending on the urgency and severity of patient's condition the applications of echocardiography can range from immediate point-of-care ultra- sound to assess for gross abnormalities (such as pericardial effusion) to detailed evaluation of underlying structural heart disease. We present a structured approach to evaluation of patients with acute and subacute dyspnea utilizing a wide range of echocardiographic techniques.