Resources

Core Elements Required in Every TTE Summary Statement

  1. LV size

  2. LV systolic function

  3. RV size

  4. RV systolic function

  5. Statement about valvular function (if normal, "no significant valvular abnormalities" is sufficient)

"Normal echocardiogram" is not a sufficient interpretation to fulfill competency.

General Reporting Style Elements

  1. Statement about image quality if it interferes with interpretation of key components related to the indication

  2. Technical issues that limit interpretation

  3. Points should be deducted if incorrect pathology is included

  4. Presence of artifacts that interfere with key components related to the indication

  5. Provide a unifying diagnosis if present (e.g. amyloidosis, HCM)

  6. Common abbreviations can be used (e.g. LVEF, RVSP, ASD, VSD)

  7. Complementary testing should be included when appropriate

Indication-Specific Elements

Include if related to the specific indication:

  1. Diastolic function (e.g. dyspnea, amyloid)

  2. Wall motion abnormalities, if related to acute coronary syndrome/CAD

  3. Wall motion abnormalities, specify location (e.g. anterior wall) and relation to indication

  4. Pulmonary pressures (e.g. pulmonary hypertension, diastolic dysfunction, shunts)

  5. Atrial sizes if relevant (e.g. atrial fibrillation, amyloid)

  6. Cardiac mass, if present

  7. Transvenous leads, if there's a lead issue

  8. Patent foramen ovale, if related to indication (e.g. cardiac source of embolism)

  9. ASD, if present

  10. VSD, if present

  11. PFO/ASD occluders, if present

  12. In aortic dilation, note aortic valve morphology if bicuspid

Include if abnormal:

  1. Valve stenosis, if moderate or severe

  2. Valve regurgitation, if moderate or severe

  3. Aortic dimensions

  4. Pericardial effusion (small, moderate, or large)

  5. Image quality, if abnormal

Abbreviations: ASD: atrial septal defect, HCM: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, LV: left ventricle, PFO: patent foramen ovale, RV: right ventricle, VSD: ventricular septal defect

Full National Consensus Criteria

The complete National Consensus Criteria, organized by cardiac structure, is available as a downloadable reference document.