Conversion to digital technology improves efficiency in the pediatric echocardiography laboratory

Standardization in paediatric echocardiographic reporting and critical interpretation of measurements, functional parameters, and prediction scores: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology and the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology

This document has been developed to provide a guide for basic and advanced reporting in paediatric echocardiography. Furthermore, it aims to help clinicians in the interpretation of echocardiographic measurements and functional data for estimating the severity of disease in different paediatric age groups. The following topics will be reviewed and discussed in the present document: (i) the general principle in constructing a paediatric echocardiographic report, (ii) the basic elements to be included, and (iii) the potential and limitation of currently employed tools used for disease severity quantification during paediatric reporting. A guide for the interpretation of Z-scores will be provided. Use and interpretation of parameters employed for quantification of ventricular systolic function will be discussed. Difficulties in the adoption of adult parameters for the study of diastolic function and valve defects at different ages and pressure and loading conditions will be outlined, with pitfalls for the assessment listed. A guide for careful use of prediction scores for complex congenital heart disease will be provided. Examples of basic and advanced (disease-specific) formats for reporting in paediatric echocardiography will be provided. This document should serve as a comprehensive guide to (i) structure a comprehensive paediatric echocardiographic report; (ii) identify the basic morphological details, measures, and functional parameters to be included during echocardiographic reporting; and (iii) correctly interpret measurements and functional data for estimating disease severity.

From the echocardiography machine to the lecture room: a simple method for transferring echocardiographic frames and loops to a personal computer

The use of computers in scientific and educational presentations is rapidly increasing. As a digital presentation is ideal for showing moving images, the use of multimedia files, e.g., echocardiographic loops within these presentations, is common. Even though recent echocardiography machines store acquired data in a digital format, these data are often not readily accessible to be transferred to a personal computer. We present an easy and cost-efficient method for transferring frames and loops from any echocardiography machine into a personal computer using a digital video camera equipped with a standard analog input and flash memory. Still images and movies are stored in the camera to be subsequently transferred to a personal computer. In the computer, still images and movies are post-processed with graphical and video editing software. Finally, the still images and movies can be projected from the video camera or presented with specialized software such as PowerPoint. The images can also be used for Web-based publications and production of educational material or books on electronic media such as CD-ROM. The described method can also be used to transfer images from other proprietary devices and programs, as long as the devices are equipped with an analog video outlet.

IMPLICATIONS

The transfer of frames and loops from echocardiographic machines to personal computers is often useful for publication, teaching, and educational purposes. We present an easy and cost-effective method for transferring frames and loops from any echocardiography machine into a personal computer using a digital video camera.