Reviews
6 November 2024
Vol. 18 No. 4 (2024)
Clinical utility of echocardiography in internal medicine: a narrative review
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Echocardiography has emerged as an invaluable tool in internal medicine, providing real-time, non-invasive evaluation of cardiac structure and function. Its clinical utility spans a wide range of applications, including the diagnosis and management of heart failure, valvular heart diseases, and cardiomyopathies, as well as systemic conditions like sepsis and chronic kidney disease. The ability to perform bedside echocardiography has made it particularly useful in critical care settings, allowing for rapid assessment of cardiac function in hemodynamically unstable patients. Echocardiography also plays a key role in guiding therapeutic interventions, from fluid management to valvular repair and replacement procedures. Despite its many advantages, echocardiography is not without limitations. Image quality may be compromised in patients with obesity, lung disease, or prior thoracic surgery, necessitating alternative imaging modalities like cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Operator expertise is another critical factor influencing diagnostic accuracy, underscoring the importance of proper training. Recent advancements, including artificial intelligence integration and portable devices, are expected to further expand the role of echocardiography, making it more accessible in diverse clinical settings. This narrative review highlights the broad clinical utility of echocardiography in internal medicine, its challenges, and the future directions that promise to enhance its role in patient care.
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How to Cite
Clinical utility of echocardiography in internal medicine: a narrative review. (2024). Italian Journal of Medicine, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.4081/itjm.2024.1802
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