Course Description
Echocardiography is the first choice for structural and functional evaluation of the heart. The concept of echocardiography was introduced in the 18^th century by Lazzaro Spallanzani. In the mid-1900s, Hellmuth Hertz and Inge Edler reported the first use of sonography for cardiac assessment and evaluation. Following its discovery, echocardiography has evolved tremendously to include many types of procedures that are performed today such as transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress exercise echocardiography, as well as multiple techniques including as 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, 3D echocardiography, and Doppler echocardiography. Throughout this course, the role of echocardiography and echocardiographic procedures will be discussed along with a variety of heart diseases and conditions, including: congenital heart diseases (such as patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, and Tetralogy of Fallot), valvular heart diseases, and pathologies that can alter the heart structure or function, including aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and cardiac tumors. Risk factors for, signs and symptoms of, preferred imaging modalities and techniques for, and possible treatments for patients with these conditions will be detailed. Also, types of echocardiograms, including transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiogram procedures and imaging techniques and patient preparation for each will be discussed.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, the participant should be able to:

• SUMMARIZE echocardiography, the equipment used, and its role in visualizing the heart and detecting heart diseases.
• DISTINGUISH various cardiovascular pathologies, including congenital heart diseases, valvular heart diseases, and conditions that can affect the heart's structure that can be detected using cardiovascular sonography and their treatment options.
• IDENTIFY clinical indications that prompt the need for a patient to undergo an echocardiogram.
• COMPARE and CONTRAST types of echocardiograms, procedures, and imaging techniques used to visualize the structure and function of the heart.

 

Categories: Ultrasound/Sonography

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.

Category	Credits
Digital	0
Fluoroscopy	0
Mammography	0