ASE Guidelines and Standards - American Society of Echocardiography

Index of Published ASE Documents

Appropriateness Criteria	Reporting	Cardiovascular Sonography
Stress	3D Echocardiography	Vascular
Intraoperative/TEE	Contrast	Chamber Quantification
Pediatric/Congenital/Fetal	Valves	Emergency Medicine
Echo-Guided Interventions	Diastolic Function	Research
Training	Doppler Echocardiography	Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Click on the topics above to be directed to related guideline documents. To obtain reprints or request copyright permission regarding ASE Guideline Documents, click here.

NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER: These reports are made available by ASE as a courtesy reference source for its members. The reports contain recommendations only and should not be used as the sole basis to make medical practice decisions or for disciplinary action against any employee. The statements and recommendations contained in these reports are primarily based on the opinions of experts, rather than on scientifically-verified data. ASE makes no express or implied warranties regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information in these reports, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall ASE be liable to you, your patients, or any other third parties for any decision made or action taken by you or such other parties in reliance on this information. Nor does your use of this information constitute the offering of medical advice by ASE or create any physician-patient relationship between ASE and your patients or anyone else.

Chamber Quantification

New Document ♦ Guidelines for the Echocardiographic Assessment of the Right Heart in Adults: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography, JASE, July 2010
This document was endorsed by the European Association of Echocardiography, a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology, and the Canadian Society of Echocardiography

The right ventricle plays an important role in the morbidity and mortality of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of cardiopulmonary disease. However, the systematic assessment of right heart function is not uniformly carried out. This is due partly to the enormous attention given to the evaluation of the left heart, a lack of familiarity with ultrasound techniques that can be used in imaging the right heart, and a paucity of ultrasound studies providing normal reference values of right heart size and function.

In all studies, the sonographer and physician should examine the right heart using multiple acoustic windows, and the report should represent an asessment based on qualitative and quantitative parameters. More ... (07/10) Full-Text PDF

ASE products illustrating the Guidelines for the Echocardiographic Assessment of the Right Heart in Adults document will soon be available for purchase.

Other Published Chamber Quantification Documents:

Recommendations for Quantification Methods During the Performance of a Pediatric Echocardiogram: A Report from the Pediatric Measurements Writing Group of the American Society of Echocardiography Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease Council, JASE, May 2010
Echocardiographic quantification is crucial in the diagnosis and management of patients with acquired and congenital heart disease (CHD). ASE and the European Association of Echocardiography have published recommendations on how to measure the size and function of cardiovascular structures in adults, providing reference limits to distinguish normal from abnormal values. Identifying an abnormal measurement helps assess the effect of a disease on the size of a cardiovascular structure, determine when intervention may be necessary, and monitor the effect of the intervention. However, the size of cardiovascular structures is influenced not only by the hemodynamics of disease states and their treatments but also by confounding factors, such as growth, age, gender, race, body composition, basal metabolic rate, hematocrit, exercise, and altitude. (05/10) Full-Text PDF

ASE products illustrating the Recommendations for Quantification Methods During the Performance of a Pediatric Echocardiogram document are now available for purchase: Pediatric Quantification Poster, Guidelines Reference Book

Recommendations for Chamber Quantification, JASE, December 2005
A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography’s Guidelines and Standards Committee and the Chamber Quantification Writing Group, Developed in Conjunction with the European Association of Echocardiography, a Branch of the European Society of Cardiology. Quantification of cardiac chamber size, ventricular mass, and function ranks among the most clinically important and most frequently requested tasks of echocardiography. Standardization of chamber quantification has been an early concern in echocardiography and recommendations on how to measure such fundamental parameters are among the most often cited articles in the field. (12/05) Full-Text PDF
Coming in October 2010: Chinese translation of Recommendations for Chamber Quantification

Download the PDA version of this document click here. Download the APPRISOR™ Document Viewer for Palm OS® or Pocket PC handhelds free of charge by clicking the "Get APPRISOR" button. [APPRISOR™ Documents may also be viewed with iSilo™ 3.x for Palm OS or Pocket PC.]

ASE products illustrating measurements in the Recommendations for Chamber Quantification guideline document are now available for purchase: Chamber Quantification Poster (English), Chamber Quantification poster (Spanish), Guidelines Reference Book

Pediatric/Fetal/Congenital

Guidelines and Standards for Performance of a Pediatric Echocardiogram: A Report from the Task Force of the Pediatric Council of the American Society of Echocardiography, JASE, December 2006
Echocardiography has become the primary imaging tool in the diagnosis and assessment of congenital and acquired heart disease in infants, children, and adolescents. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is an ideal tool for cardiac assessment, as it is noninvasive, portable, and efficacious in providing detailed anatomic, hemodynamic, and physiologic information about the pediatric heart. (12/06) Full-Text PDF

ASE products illustrating measurements in the Guidelines and Standards for Performance of a Pediatric Echocardiogram document are now available for purchase: Pediatric poster

Other Published Pediatric/Fetal/Congenital Documents:

ASE Indications and Guidelines for Performance of Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Patient with Pediatric Acquired or Congenital Heart Disease, JASE, January 2005
A Report from the Task Force of the Pediatric Council of the American Society of Echocardiography (01/05) Full-Text PDF

ASE Guidelines and Standards for the Performance of the Fetal Echocardiogram, JASE, July 2004
Fetal echocardiography is the ultrasonic evaluation of the human fetal cardiovascular system. General antepartum obstetrical ultrasound has become a standard part of gestational care and is commonly used for the determination of fetal age, size, gender, or well-being and for the detection of congenital anomalies. A variety of maternal or fetal disorders may result in abnormality of the fetal cardiovascular system to a degree which demands evaluation at a level above and beyond that attainable with standard antepartum obstetrical ultrasound. In these circumstances, a fetal echocardiogram should be performed. (7/04) Full-Text PDF

Valves

Recommendations for Evaluation of Prosthetic Valves With Echocardiography and Doppler Ultrasound, JASE, September 2009
This document was endorsed by the American College of Cardiology Foundation, American Heart Association, the European Association of Echocardiography, a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology, the Japanese Society of Echocardiography and the Canadian Society of Echocardiography.
In patients with significant valvular stenosis or regurgitation, an intervention on the valve with repair, valvuloplasty, or valve replacement is ultimately inevitable. Although valve repair is now frequently performed, especially for mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), valve replacement remains common, particularly in adults. This enlarging cohort may be difficult to assess. Symptoms may be nonspecific, making it difficult to differentiate the effects of prosthetic valve dysfunction from ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, the pathology of the remaining native valves, or noncardiac conditions. Although physical examination can alert clinicians to the presence of significant prosthetic valve dysfunction, diagnostic methods are often needed to assess the function of the prosthesis. Echocardiography with Doppler is the method of choice for the noninvasive evaluation of prosthetic valve function. This document offers a review of echocardiographic and Doppler techniques used in the assessment of prosthetic valves and provides recommendations and general guidelines for the evaluation of prosthetic valve function on the basis of the scientific literature and the consensus of an international panel of experts. (9/09) Full-Text PDF

ASE products illustrating measurements in the Recommendations for Evaluation of Prosthetic Valves With Echocardiography and Doppler Ultrasound guideline document are now available for purchase: Prosthetic Valve poster, Guideline Reference Book

Echocardiographic Assessment of Valve Stenosis: EAE/ASE Recommendations for Clinical Practice, JASE, January 2009
This document was written in collaboration with the European Association of Echocardiography, a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology
Valve stenosis is a common heart disorder and an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography has become the key tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of valve disease, and is the primary non-invasive imaging method for valve stenosis assessment. The aim of this paper was to detail the recommended approach to the echocardiographic evaluation of valve stenosis, including recommendations for specific measures of stenosis severity, details of data acquisition and measurement, and grading of severity. These recommendations are based on the scientific literature and on the consensus of a panel of experts. (1/09) Full-Text PDF (3241 KB)
Document Errata:
1. On Page 9, 3rd paragraph on left: The dose of dobutamine for dobutamine stress echo for evaluating low gradient aortic stenosis is mentioned as "2.5 or 5m/kg/min with an incremental increase in the infusion every 3-5 min to a maximum dose of 10-20 mg/kg/min." The mg is a typographical error and should be mcg/kg/min or ug/kg/min.
2. Page 14: The formula on left in section B.1.5: MVA = π (r² )(V...etc.) is incorrect. The correct formula is MVA = 2π (r² )(V...etc.).

ASE products illustrating measurements in the Echocardiographic Assessment of Valve Stenosis: EAE/ASE Recommendations for Clinical Practice guideline document are now available for purchase: Valve Stenosis poster, Guideline Reference Book

Recommendations for Evaluation of the Severity of Native Valvular Regurgitation with Two-Dimensional and Doppler Echocardiography, JASE, July 2003
This document offers a critical review of echocardiographic and Doppler techniques used in the evaluation of valvular regurgitation in the adult patient, and provides recommendations for the assessment of severity of valvular regurgitation. (7/03) Full-Text PDF

ASE products illustrating measurements in the Recommendations for Evaluation of the Severity of Native Regurgitation with Two-Dimensional and Doppler Echocardiography document are now available for purchase: Valvular Regurgitation poster, Guideline Reference Book

Research

Echocardiographic Imaging in Clinical Trials: American Society of Echocardiography Standards for Echocardiography Core Laboratories, JASE, July 2009
This document was endorsed by the American College of Cardiology Foundation
Imaging with cardiac ultrasound is a critical element of cardiovascular clinical research. The noninvasive assessment of cardiac structure, function, and hemodynamics using echocardiography can provide essential data on the safety and efficacy of drugs and devices, as well as insight into mechanisms of disease and therapeutic benefit. Echocardiography may also be used to assess enrollment eligibility, provide surrogate endpoints, suggest future research directions, and assist in determining optimal patterns of clinical surveillance. However, the value of this information is highly dependent on the quality of the planning and performance of imaging, the quality of data analysis, and the appropriate incorporation of results into overall trial analysis. A previous ASE document, "Recommendations for Use of Echocardiography in Clinical Trials," describes the importance of high-quality imaging for research. It recommends methods for some of the common applications of echocardiography, such as determinations of left ventricular ejection fraction and mass, but it does not extensively address the roles and responsibilities of core laboratories or other issues such as personnel, study design, imaging review charters, site management, information technology, and statistical analysis. No other document or guidelines statement exists to fill these gaps. Thus, there is a great need for a clear and universally accepted set of "best practices" in these areas, which form the core of this consensus-driven standards document. (07/09) Full-Text PDF

Other Published Research Documents:

ASE Recommendations for Use of Echocardiography in Clinical Trials, JASE, October 2004
A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography’s Guidelines and Standards Committee and The Task Force on Echocardiography in Clinical Trials. Echocardiography provides comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular structure, function, and hemodynamics that characterize disease processes. Hence, echocardiography has been used successfully to provide mechanistic insights on therapeutic outcomes, and in some cases to measure functional and structural changes that are considered to be of therapeutic importance. (10/04) Full-Text PDF

Echo-Guided Interventions

ASE Recommendations for Clinical Practice: Echocardiography-Guided Interventions, JASE, March 2009
The treatment of many types of structural heart disease is moving away from pure surgical approaches and emphasizing less invasive techniques. These techniques include procedures done in the heart catheterization and arrhythmia laboratories. When working on the heart with these less invasive techniques, imaging the procedure as it is being performed (in real time) with echocardiography has taken on a central role in selecting the right patients to work on, guiding the procedures as they are being performed, and monitoring their safety during the procedure. The use of echo to guide a variety of procedures has made it safer, tfaster, improved results, and allowed physicians to treat an increasing complex group of patients without open heart surgery. This document explains and illustrates how physicians can use echocardiography in a wide variety of procedures. The document discusses all modalities of echocardiography, including "intracardiac echocardiography" or ICE, which is anewer type of echo that places the imaging probe within the heart during these procedures. Benefits of each mode of echocardiography are considered as it relates to each procedure, and recommendations are made to help guide the selection of the "right" mode of echo for the specific procedure being performed. This is the first document of its kind that sets the standard for imaging during procedures, and serves as an important reference to a wide variety of physicians. (3/09) Full Text PDF

Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

Recommendations for the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function by Echocardiography, JASE, February 2009
This document was written in collaboration with the European Association of Echocardiography, a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology
The assessment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function should be an integral part of a routine examination, particularly in patients presenting with dyspnea or heart failure. About half of patients with new diagnoses of heart failure have normal or near normal global ejection fractions (EFs). These patients are diagnosed with "diastolic heart failure" or "heart failure with preserved EF." The assessment of LV diastolic function and filling pressures is of paramount clinical importance to distinguish this syndrome from other diseases such as pulmonary disease resulting in dyspnea, to assess prognosis, and to identify underlying cardiac disease and its best treatment. The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive review of the techniques and the significance of diastolic parameters, as well as recommendations for nomenclature and reporting of diastolic data in adults. The recommendations are based on a critical review of the literature and the consensus of a panel of experts. (2/09) Full-Text PDF (1463 KB)

ASE products illustrating measurements in the Recommendations for the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function by Echocardiography guideline document are now available for purchase: Diastolic Function poster, Guideline Reference Book

Contrast Echocardiography

American Society of Echocardiography Consensus Statement on the Clinical Applications of Ultrasonic Contrast Agents in Echocardiography, JASE, November 2008
Ultrasound contrast agents, used with contrast-specific imaging techniques, have an established role for diagnostic cardiovascular imaging in the echocardiography laboratory. This document focuses on when and how contrast agents are used to enhance the diagnostic capability of echocardiography. It also reviews the role of physicians, sonographers, and nurses, as well as ways to integrate the use of contrast agents into the echocardiography laboratory most efficiently. (11/08) Full-Text PDF (2999 KB)

ASE products illustrating measurements in the ASE Consensus Statement on the Clinical Applications of Ultrasonic Contrast Agents in Echocardiography document are now available for purchase: Contrast poster

Other Published Contrast Documents:

Guidelines for the Cardiac Sonographer in the Performance of Contrast Echocardiography: Recommendations of the ASE Council on Cardiac Sonography, JASE, May 2001
Contrast echocardiography requires a high level of competence and expertise in addition to the skills frequently required in standard cardiac sonography practice. The American Society of Echocardiography highly recommends that cardiac sonographers take the appropriate steps to become trained in the administration of the contrast agents used in echocardiography. (5/01) Full-Text PDF

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Echocardiography for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Recommendations for Performance and Reporting–A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography Dyssynchrony Writing Group, JASE, March 2008
Echocardiography plays an evolving and important role in the care of heart failure patients treated with biventricular pacing, or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Numerous recent published reports have utilized echocardiographic techniques to potentially aide in patient selection for CRT prior to implantation and to optimized device settings afterwards. However, no ideal approach has yet been found. This consensus report evaluates the contemporary applications of chocardiography for CRT including relative strengths and technical limitations of several techniques and proposes guidelines regarding current and possible future clinical applications. Endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society. (3/08) Full-Text PDF (24039 KB)

Vascular

Use of Carotid Ultrasound to Identify Subclinical Vascular Disease and Evaluate Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Consensus Statement from the American Society of Echocardiography Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Task Force Endorsed by the Society for Vascular Medicine, JASE, February 2008
Echocardiography plays an evolving and important role in the care of heart failure patients treated with biventricular pacing, or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Numerous recent published reports have utilized echocardiographic techniques to potentially aide in patient selection for CRT prior to implantation and to optimized device settings afterwards. However, no ideal approach has yet been found. This consensus report evaluates the contemporary applications of chocardiography for CRT including relative strengths and technical limitations of several techniques and proposes guidelines regarding current and possible future clinical applications. Endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society. (2/08) Full-Text PDF

Other Published Vascular Documents:

Clinical Application of Noninvasive Vascular Ultrasound in Cardiovascular Risk Stratification: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Vascular Medicine and Biology, JASE, August 2006
Noninvasive measures of atherosclerosis have emerged as adjuncts to standard cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in an attempt to refine risk stratification and the need for more aggressive preventive strategies. Two such approaches, carotid artery imaging and brachial artery reactivity testing (BART), are ultrasound based. Numerous carotid artery imaging protocols have been used, and methodologic aspects are described in detail in this review.(8/06) Full-Text PDF

Guidelines for Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory Testing: A Report from the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Vascular Medicine and Biology, JASE, August 2006
The document summarizes principles integral to vascular duplex ultrasound–including color Doppler, spectral Doppler waveform analysis,power Doppler, and the use of contrast. Appropriate indications and interpretation of carotid artery, renal artery, abdominal aorta, and peripheral artery ultrasound imaging are described.(8/06) Full-Text PDF

ASE products illustrating measurements in the Guidelines for Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory Testing document are now available for purchase: Noninvasive Vascular poster

Intraoperative/TEE

Guidelines for the Performance of a Comprehensive Intraoperative Epiaortic Ultrasonographic Examination, JASE, November 2007
Recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists; Endorsed by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. (11/07) Full-Text PDF PLEASE NOTE: The link to the video on page 1228 is temporarily broken. In the meantime, you can access that video here.

Other Published Intraoperative/TEE Documents:

Guidelines for Performing a Comprehensive Epicardial Echocardiography Examination: Recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, JASE, April 2007
During the last few decades, the utility of intraoperative echocardiography has become increasingly evident as anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and surgeons continue to appreciate its potential application as an invaluable tool for monitoring cardiac performance and diagnosing pathology in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.The essential information provided by intraoperative echocardiography regarding hemodynamic management, cardiac valve function, congenital heart lesions, and great vessel pathology has contributed to its widespread popularity. (4/07) Full-Text PDF

ASE/SCA Recommendations and Guidelines for Continuous Quality Improvement in Perioperative Echocardiography, JASE, November 2006
Recommendations and guidelines for a CQI program specific to the perioperative environment. Using the prior ASE publication on CQI as the foundation, we will: (1) present a rationale for CQI in the perioperative period; (2) define the components of a perioperative echocardiography service; (3) establish the principles of CQI as they relate to the practice of perioperative echocardiography; and (4) assess whether CQI programs are effective in the perioperative period. (11/06) Full-Text PDF

ASE and SCA Task Force Guidelines for training in Perioperative Echocardiography, JASE, June 2002. Full-Text PDF

ASE/SCA Guidelines for Performing a Comprehensive Intraoperative Multiplane Transesophageal Examination, JASE, October 1999
This document outlines recommendations performing a comprehensive TEE with descriptions of equipment, provision for developing skills, and mechanisms for assessing the technical quality and completeness of individual studies. (10/99) Full-Text PDF

ASE products illustrating measurements in the ASE/SCA Guidelines for Performing a Comprehensive Intraoperative Multiplane Transesophageal Examination document are now available for purchase: Multiplane TEE poster, Guidelines Reference Book

Stress

American Society of Echocardiography Recommendations for Performance, Interpretation, and Application of Stress Echocardiography, JASE, September 2007
Advances since the 1998 publication of the Recommendations for Performance and Interpretation of Stress Echocardiography include improvements in imaging equipment, refinements in stress testing protocols and standards for image interpretation,and important progress toward quantitative analysis. Moreover, the roles of stress echocardiography for cardiac risk stratification and for assessment of myocardial viability are now well documented. (09/07) Full-Text PDF

ASE products illustrating measurements in the ASE Recommendations for Performance, Interpretation, and Application of Stress Echocardiography guideline document are now available for purchase: Stress poster, Guidelines Reference Book

Other Published Stress Documents:

ACCF/ASE/ACEP/AHA/ASNC/SCAI/SCCT/SCMR 2008 Appropriateness Criteria for Stress Echocardiography
A report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriateness Criteria Task Force, American Society of Echocardiography, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Heart Association, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, and Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society and Society of Critical Care Medicine. (3/08) Full-Text PDF

3D Echo

3D Echocardiography: A Review of the Current Status and Future Directions, JASE, March 2007
Ultrasound technology has improved markedly in the past 10 to 15 years, prompting echocardiographers to extend its use in studying cardiac structure and function. New ultrasound equipment and techniques offer superior image quality, greater accuracy, and expanding capabilities. As a result, more and improved imaging modalities are available for evaluating cardiac anatomy, ventricular function, blood flow velocity, and valvular diseases. Three dimensional (3D) echocardiography offers the ability to improve and expand the diagnostic capabilities of cardiac ultrasound. (3/07) Full-Text PDF

Cardiovascular Sonography

ASE Minimum Standards for the Cardiac Sonographer: A Position Paper, November 2005
A Report from the Council of Cardiac Sonography of the American Society of Echocardiography (11/05) Full-Text PDF

Other Cardiovascular Sonography Documents:

Proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Language Relating To Laboratory Accreditation and Physician and Sonographer Qualifications for Transthoracic Echocardiography, April 2005
The accuracy of a transthoracic echocardiogram depends on the knowledge, skill, and experience of both the individual performing the study and the physician interpreting the study. (4/05) Full-Text PDF

Guidelines for Cardiac Sonography Education, JASE, January 2001
Recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography Sonographer Training and Education Committee. (1/01) Full-Text PDF

Reporting

ASE Guidelines and Recommendations for Digital Echocardiography, JASE, March 2005
A Report from the Digital Echocardiography Committee of the American Society of Echocardiography (03/05) Full-Text PDF Click here to be directed to the appendix materials for the NEW Guidelines and Recommendations for Digital Echocardiography

Recommendations for a Standardized Report for Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography, JASE, September 2001
The American Society of Echocardiography has published guidelines relating to standards for training (and certification); performance; nomenclature and measurement; and quality improvement related to echocardiography. (9/01) Full-Text PDF

Recommendations for CQI in Echocardiography, JASE, September-October 1995
This document outlines the need and recommendations for developing an effective continuous quality improvement program for the echocardiography laboratory. Topics covered are staff roles, principles in developing processes, and examples of documentation in preparing data collection. (9/95) Full-Text PDF

Training

PROPOSED LOCAL COVERAGE DETERMINATION (LCD) LANGUAGE RELATING TO LABORATORY ACCREDITATION AND PHYSICIAN AND SONOGRAPHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR TRANSTHORACIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
The accuracy of a transthoracic echocardiogram depends on the knowledge, skill, and experience of both the individual performing the study and the physician interpreting the study. (4/05) Full-Text PDF

Hand-carried Ultrasound Device: Recommendations Regarding New Technology, April 2002 [ASE Position Statement Addendum]
The newest introduction to echocardiography is a hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) device. It is a small echocardiographic machine that typically weighs less than 6 pounds and can obtain echocardiographic images and data. However, either the device or the context of the examination does not fulfill the criteria for a comprehensive or complete echocardiographic examination. (4/02) Full-Text PDF

ASE and SCA Task Force Guidelines for training in Perioperative Echocardiography, JASE, June 2002

See also, ACCF COCATS 3 Training Statement, featuring: Task Force 4: Training in Echocardiography.
Endorsed by the American Society of Echocardiography (1/08) Full-Text PDF

See also, ACC/AHA Clinical Competence Statement on Echocardiography, JACC, February 19, 2003
Developed in collaboration with the American Society of Echocardiography, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, and Society of Pediatric Echocardiography. (2/03) Full Text PDF

Emergency Medicine

Hand-carried Ultrasound Device: Recommendations Regarding New Technology, JASE, April 2002 [ASE Position Statement Addendum]
The newest introduction to echocardiography is a hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) device. It is a small echocardiographic machine that typically weighs less than 6 pounds and can obtain echocardiographic images and data. However, either the device or the context of the examination does not fulfill the criteria for a comprehensive or complete echocardiographic examination. (4/02) Full-Text PDF ASE Position Statement on HCU (4/03)

Echocardiography in Emergency Medicine: A Policy Statement by the ASE and the ACC, JASE, January 1999
A Policy Statement by the American Society of Echocardiography and the American College of Cardiology on the use of echocardiography in emergency situations. (1/99) Full-Text PDF

Doppler Echocardiography

Recommendations for Quantification of Doppler Echocardiography: A Report from the Doppler Quantification Task Force of the Nomenclature and Standards Committee of the American Society of Echocardiography, JASE, February 2002
Doppler echocardiography is a noninvasive technique that provides unique hemodynamic information otherwise not available without invasive monitoring. The accuracy of the results depends, however, on meticulous technique and an understanding of Doppler principles and flow dynamics. This document provides recommendations based on the scientific literature and a consensus from a body of experts to guide the recording and measurement of Doppler data. The document is not a comprehensive review of all the clinical application of Doppler echocardiography. (2/02) Full-Text PDF

Documents Endorsed by ASE

ACCF COCATS 3 Training Statement
Featuring: Task Force 4: Training in Echocardiography, Endorsed by the American Society of Echocardiography (1/08) Full-Text PDF

ACC/AHA 2007 Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Care for Noncardiac Surgery
A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 2002 Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation for Noncardiac Surgery) Developed in Collaboration With the American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology, and Society for Vascular Surgery (11/07) Full-Text PDF

ACCF/ASE/ACEP/ASNC/SCAI/SCCT/SCMR 2007 Appropriateness Criteria for Transthoracic and Transesophageal Echocardiography
A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Quality Strategic Directions Committee Appropriateness Criteria Working Group, American Society of Echocardiography, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, and the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Endorsed by the American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. (6/07) Full-Text PDF
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ACC/AHA Clinical Competence Statement on Echocardiography, JACC, February 19, 2003
Developed in collaboration with the American Society of Echocardiography, the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, and the Society of Pediatric Echocardiography. (02/03) Full-Text PDF

ACC/AHA/ASE Guideline Update for the Clinical Application of Echocardiography: Summary Article, JASE, October 2003
Summary Article A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (ACC/AHA/ASE) Committee to Update the 1997 Guidelines for the Clinical Application. The previous guideline for the use of echocardiography was published in March 1997. Since that time, there have been significant advances in the technology of echocardiography and growth in its clinical use and in the scientific evidence leading to recommendations for its proper use. Each section has been reviewed and updated in evidence. (10/03) Full-Text PDF

Related Article: ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Clinical Application of Echocardiography, Circulation, 1997

Retired Guideline Documents

Recommendations for Quantification of the Left Ventricle by Two-Dimensional Echocardiography, JASE, September-October 1989
Correlation with Autopsy and M-mode Echocardiography (10/89)

Transesophageal Echocardiography, JASE, September-October 1989
Recommendations and guidelines in performing this alternative technique in imaging the heart with the use of a transducer equipped endoscope. (10/89)

Stress Echocardiography: Recommendations for Performance and Interpretation of Stress Echocardiography, JASE, January 1998
Recommendations forusing this provocative technique for patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (11/96)

Guidelines for Physician Training in Transesophageal Echocardiography, JASE, March 1992
Recommendations for physician training in this specialized application of an important diagnostic tool. (3/92)

This document has been replaced by ACC/AHA Clinical Competence Statement on Echocardiography which the ASE has endorsed.

Guidelines for Optimal Physician Training in Echocardiography , JASE, July/August 1988
The expanding role of echocardiography, its uses in defining normal and abnormal cardiac conditions, and the importance of the physician's skills in utilizing this effective diagnostic technique. (7/88)

This document has been replaced by ACC/AHA Clinical Competence Statement on Echocardiography which the ASE has endorsed.

Report of the ASE Committee on Nomenclature and Standards in 2D Echocardiography, August 1980
This document outlines the recommended views for performing a complete 2D echocardiographic procedure to include nomenclature, image orientation, transducer positioning, and visible structures.(8/80)

Contrast Echocardiography: Current and Future Applications, JASE, April 2000
This document outlines current and future applications in the use of contrast materials in echocardiography. The document reviews a description of the procedure, contrast agents, technologies, indications for use, and technical guidelines in utilizing this useful application. (4/00)

Standardized Myocardial Segmentation and Nomenclature for Tomographic Imaging of the Heart, JASE, May 2002
AHA Writing Group on Myocardial Segmentation and Registration for Cardiac Imaging. Nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiac computed tomography (cardiac CT), positron emission computed tomography (PET) and coronary angiography are imaging modalities that have been used to measure myocardial perfusion, left ventricular function and coronary anatomy for clinical management and research. (5/02)

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