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14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart. It allows doctors to see the heart’s size, shape, and motion, and evaluate its chambers, valves, and blood flow. This test aids in diagnosing heart diseases and determining treatment courses.
Navigating the realm of cutting-edge medical technology often feels like traversing a landscape marked by constant evolution and innovation. One such technology that has revolutionized the way cardiovascular health is assessed is the Echocardiogram. This non-invasive, diagnostic tool uses sound waves to create detailed, moving pictures of the heart, allowing healthcare professionals to gain valuable insight into the heart’s functioning and structure. Let’s venture into the fascinating science behind it and shed light on its integral role in heart health.
Echocardiograms hinge upon the properties of ultrasound waves. These are high-frequency soundwaves (>20,000 hertz), which are transmitted into the body and bounce back after hitting an interface. The returning ‘echoes’ are converted into images – a process called ‘echo imaging’.
The echocardiogram’s central element is the transducer, the handheld device that sends and receives ultrasound waves. It converts the electrical signals into ultrasound waves and reciprocally converts the returning echoes into electrical signals that the echocardiogram machine translates into images.
An echocardiogram, often known as a cardiac echo or simply “echo,” is a sonographic image of the heart that aids in assessing the organ’s structure and function.
The echocardiogram evaluates the heart’s chambers, valves, walls, and the blood vessels attached to it. This assessment reveals invaluable data about the heart’s health, including the detection of heart diseases, evaluation of damage after a heart attack, or monitoring heart conditions and the effectiveness of treatment options.
The most common type, TTE, involves a transducer moving over the chest to catch ultrasound waves echoing off the heart.
During TEE, a probe is advanced down the patient’s throat to get closer images of the heart. It provides a detailed examination of the heart’s structure and function.
This version involves taking echocardiograms before and immediately after exercise to assess how well the heart handles physical exertion.
The latest innovation in the field, 3D echocardiography, captures three-dimensional images of the heart, offering a comprehensive view of the heart’s structure and function.
Cardiac sonographers play a crucial role as medical professionals who specialize in obtaining and interpreting sonographic images, including echocardiograms.
Before the procedure, you will undress from the waist up and lie on an examination table. While conducting the echocardiogram, the sonographer will apply a special gel to your chest and then move the transducer smoothly over your chest, capturing images of your heart. After the procedure, you can resume regular activities with no restrictions.
The results of an echocardiogram allow healthcare professionals to investigate the dimensions of the heart, the thickness of the heart walls, and how effectively the heart is pumping blood.
Echocardiograms can identify a wide array of heart conditions, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, valve disorders, and congenital heart defects among others.
Echocardiograms are generally safe with no known risks. However, a Transesophageal Echocardiogram may cause transient discomfort or difficulties swallowing.
Whilst the echocardiogram is a powerful tool, it may not provide sufficient information in some cases. In such situations, other tests such as CT scans, MRI, or cardiac catheterization may be required.
Echocardiograms are pivotal in the early detection and management of numerous heart conditions, playing an instrumental role in safeguarding cardiovascular health. It symbolizes the medical industry’s remarkable advancements in utilizing sound waves to explore the complex intricacies of the human heart.
An EKG records the heart’s electrical activity, whereas an echocardiogram provides visual images of the structure and function of the heart.
Yes, you can eat, drink, and take all your regular medications before a standard echocardiogram.
No specific preparation is required. Dress in loose and comfortable clothing and be ready to undress from the waist up.
Results can generally be discussed with your doctor shortly after the examination. However, in some cases, a more detailed study and consultation may be required before discussing the results.
Yes, the echocardiogram is a key tool in diagnosing a wide range of heart diseases, including structural abnormalities, valve diseases, and coronary heart disease.
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