EUROPEAN CERTIFICATION OF CLINICAL COMPETENCE IN ADULT ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY ISSUED IN BELGIUM

In accordance with the European proposals, adapted guidelines are proposed for a certification of clinical competence in adult echocardiography, with transoesophageal echocardiography as a special option. The conditions required to candidate to the certification, the exemptions of practical training for long-term echocardiographers and the organisation of the training itself are successively considered. Standards for training, site accreditation, official logbook characteristics, minimal numbers of examination and minimal stage duration are defined. Content of theoretical training, as well as organisation of formal and informal education and of final examination, are described.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

MEMBRANOUS SUBVALVAR PULMONARY STENOSIS IN COMPLETE TRANSPOSITION - ADVANTAGE OF BIPLANE TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS IN A YOUNG-ADULT.

A young adult who had previously undergone a Mustard repair for complete transposition developed symptomatic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Biplane transoesophageal echocardigraphy allowed an optimal preoperative assessment. In the longitudinal plane, a discrete calcified membrane was imaged. Consequently, a pulmonary arteriotomy was chosen for the relief of the malformation.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Clinical usefulness of biplane transesophageal echocardiography

The clinical usefulness of biplane color Doppler transesophageal echocardiography is illustrated by the results obtained in 300 successive examinations. The additional contribution of the newer longitudinal plane was judged significant or major in 64% of the cases. The method was useful mainly for intraoperative examinations, assessment of native valvular disease, prosthetic valve evaluation, search for tumors, and assessment of endocarditis, congenital heart disease, and aortic disease. In contrast, the longitudinal plane option was not contributory in 68% of the cases of thromboembolism. Typically, the technique aided in the evaluation of mitral valve insufficiency and the detection of paraprosthetic leaks. Lesions located at the level of the ascending aorta, the left and right ventricular outflow tracts, and the interatrial septum were also visualized best. The limitations of the method were negligible and the duration of the examination was not significantly increased in comparison to the monoplane method. When available, biplane transesophageal echocardiography seems to be preferred in most clinical settings.Journal ArticleSCOPUS: ar.jFLWNAinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe