From the Guidelines
Diastolic wall thickness is best assessed in the 2D short-axis views in all LV segments, from base to apex, as recommended by the 2014 ESC guidelines on diagnosis and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 1. This view provides optimal visualization of the left ventricular walls during diastole, allowing for accurate measurement of wall thickness. The measurements are typically taken at end-diastole, when the cardiac chambers are maximally filled and the myocardium is relaxed.
- Key points to consider when assessing diastolic wall thickness include:
- Using 2D short-axis views to evaluate all LV segments, from base to apex
- Measuring wall thickness at end-diastole, when the cardiac chambers are maximally filled and the myocardium is relaxed
- Aligning the ultrasound beam perpendicular to the walls being measured to minimize measurement errors
- Considering complementary views, such as the parasternal long-axis view, to assess wall thickness Accurate assessment of diastolic wall thickness is important for diagnosing conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and infiltrative cardiac diseases, as noted in the 2014 ESC guidelines 1.
From the Research
Diastolic Wall Thickness Assessment
- Diastolic wall thickness can be assessed in the parasternal long axis view by transthoracic echocardiography 2.
- This view allows for the measurement of left ventricular (LV) wall thickness at the posterior wall (PW) and the intraventricular septum (IVS) 2.
- Pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) can also be used to evaluate LV wall motion velocities along the long and short axes, providing information on diastolic function 3.
- The parasternal long-axis view is useful for assessing diastolic wall thickness and function, as it allows for the measurement of LV dimensions and wall thickness at end-diastole 2, 3.