Optimal Resources for Ultrasonic Examination of the Heart

Echocardiography Study Group

POPP, RICHARD L. M.D., Chairman
FORTUIN, NICHOLAS J. M.D.
JOHNSON, MICHAEL L. M.D.
KISSLO, JOSEPH A. JR. M.D., MEMBERS

The Inter-Society Commission for Heart Disease Resources is supported by a grant from the American Heart Association in cooperation with the American College of Cardiology. National Chairman, Leonard Scherlis, M.D.; National Project Director, J. Keith Thwaites.

Address for correspondence: Inter-Society Commission for Heart Disease Resources, % American Heart Association, 7320 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75231.

Circulation 65(2):p 423A-431A, February 1982.

SUMMARY

This paper provides guidelines for the optimal, rather than minimal, performance of ultrasonic examination of the heart for current clinical applications using conventional echocardiographic equipment. Since the original report of this Inter-Society Commission on Heart Disease Resources Committee in 1975, M-mode echocardiography has continued to be a valuable clinical tool, and twodimensional echocardiography has been developed. Guidelines are presented for optimal physician and cardiac sonographer training, case loads, space and support systems, equipment desip features and performance testing, and administrative considerations. The developing area of Doppler ultrasound and the competitive technologies are noted.