Echocardiography in the ICU

Abstract

Echocardiography is a valuable tool used to aid in the management of pediatric patients in the ICU. Echocardiography allows for the assessment of cardiac physiology including cardiac function, pericardial effusions, suspicion for pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac valve integrity. The use of echocardiography for the assessment of mechanical cardiac support and suspected endocarditis is discussed. Echocardiography is particularly suited for the postoperative assessment after cardiac surgery and the unique physiology of single ventricle patients.