June 28, 2024 By

Read the June Echo Magazine

The June 2024 Echo magazine is now online! This issue contains interesting articles written by ASE members, including:
Each issue includes articles or images related to cardiovascular ultrasound that are not research-related, as well as communications from the ASE President, Councils, Specialty Interest Groups, and the ASE Education Calendar. Active ASE members are eligible to submit articles. Echo magazine will now be published bi-monthly (every other month) with the next issue publishing in August. The next submission deadline for the October 2024 issue is August 15. Email Echo@ASEcho.org with questions.
Filed Under: General
June 28, 2024 By

Register for the 2024 ASCeXAM Review Course Live Question & Answer Sessions This Saturday!

Register for ASE’s 2024 ASCeXAM Review Course Virtual Experience to gain access to more than 40 presentations designed to help you prepare for the ASCeXAM. Registration also includes a virtual live component that will take place this weekend. On Saturday, June 22, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET and 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM ET, expert faculty—led by Muhamed Saric, MD, PhD, FASE, and Akhil Narang, MD, FASE—will be available to answer specific questions, review course material, and dive deeper into certain subjects.
Even if you’re not taking the exam, this course offers comprehensive cardiovascular education that includes 28.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Remember: Log in to the ASE Member Portal before registering through the ASE Learning Hub.
Filed Under: General
June 28, 2024 By

ASE 2024 Highlights

A tremendously successful ASE Scientific Sessions in Portland, Oregon, just wrapped. Chair Federico Asch, MD, FASE, and co-chair Eric Kruse, BS, ACS, RDCS, RVT, FASE, welcomed nearly 2,000 attendees from 32 countries for two-and-a half days of learning and exciting networking events. Nearly 500 people also attended virtually last weekend.
Additionally, ASE 2024 also welcomed over 400 investigators from around the world who presented their original science during the meeting. Congratulations to the two investigator award competition winners on their excellent achievements.
  • 2024 Arthur E. Weyman Young Investigator’s Award Competition Winner, Robert McRae, MD, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington.
  • 2024 Brian Haluska Sonographer Research Award Competition Winner, Babitha Thampinathan, CRCS, RDCS, FASE, Mohawk-McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Thank you to all the investigators who contributed to this year’s scientific program! We hope to see your cutting-edge science at next year’s Scientific Sessions.
Plan now to join us September 5 – 7 for the 2025 Scientific Sessions in Nashville, Tennessee. Sign up here for notification when registration for ASE 2025 opens.
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June 28, 2024 By

In Memory of Arthur E. Weyman, MD, FASE

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Arthur (Ned) E. Weyman, MD, FASE, passed away on June 17, 2024. Dr. Weyman was ASE’s first secretary of the Board of Directors and subsequently served as the 8th President of ASE serving from January 1991 through June 1993. As one of the founding leaders in echocardiography, he advocated tirelessly for international recognition of the pivotal role the noninvasive assessment tool plays in saving lives by quickly detecting cardiac issues in patients from infants to adults. His presence at the helm of ASE and NBE changed the field forever. He will be missed, and we are forever grateful for his service. Read more about his service and legacy.

Filed Under: General
June 25, 2024 By

Echo VOL | 13 Issue 6


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Filed Under: Echo Magazine
June 18, 2024 By

Catch The Wave of June CASE

The latest issue of CASE is now available with intriguing reports, including “The Complex Hemodynamic Interplay between Mitral Arcade, Midventricular Obstruction, and Prosthetic Aortic Valve” by Taverna et al. CASE Editor-in-Chief Vincent Sorrell, MD, FASE, remarked, “One of the great values of CASE is the ability to use high-quality echo images matched to tomographic cardiovascular imaging to educate readers about rare diseases they are unlikely to see in their individual clinical practice. This month’s issue fulfills that goal with the report from Taverna that showcases mitral arcade; there are not very many published reports in adults owing to both its rarity and possible under-diagnosis. During the editorial review process, these authors worked closely with section editors who are experts in congenital heart disease to provide readers with very precise descriptions, concluding that this patient likely met criteria for a partial Shone’s complex. They also use very detailed volume-rendered 3D-CT images to demonstrate how the pathoanatomy of this particular mitral arcade is atypical and consists of a double-bridge connecting the anterior and posterior leaflets to the papillary muscles. In summary, the authors rightly conclude that a comprehensive multimodal cardiac imaging approach (CT for anatomy; echo Doppler for physiology) is essential!”

Following that Multimodality Imaging report, authors in Infections in the Heart present a report titled, “Vegetations Lurking in the Dark and the Role of Neoendothelialization,” reviewing the published literature on this potential complication and discussing the possible risk-assessment role of cardiac CT by monitoring neoendothelization in these devices. Over in the Hemodynamic Corner of CASE, there are two reports: one on the importance of spectral Doppler in detecting mitral regurgitation in patients with acoustic shadowing from prosthetic valves, and one that describes the unique mitral and tricuspid spectral Doppler inflow patterns in a patient with non-sinus rhythm. With high-quality 2D and 3D echo images, a case in Rare But Deadly Findings offers a learning lesson to readers about a left atrial dissection after complications of mitral valve surgery. To round out this issue, there is a letter to the editor discussing a previous CASE on a novel transcatheter approach to treat primum atrial septal defects with a response from that article’s authors.

As with all CASE issues, these reports demonstrate the value of quality imaging over quantity. Be sure to read Dr. Sorrell’s editorial as he explores how to maintain this principle in a healthcare environment that increasingly rewards growth and productivity.

Looking for a journal to submit your case report to? We want to hear from you! Email us with questions or submit your report today.

Filed Under: General
June 17, 2024 By

Arthur Weyman ASE’s 8th President Passed Away

It is with great sadness that we write to inform our members that Arthur (Ned) E. Weyman, MD, FASE, passed away this morning, June 17, 2024. Dr. Weyman was ASE’s first secretary of the Board of Directors and subsequently served as the 8th President of ASE serving from January 1991 through June 1993. He received a 2001 American College of Cardiology Gifted Teacher Award and a University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award. ASE’s Arthur E. Weyman Young Investigator’s Award (YIA) was created in 2007 in honor of Dr. Weyman’s unwavering commitment to research in cardiovascular ultrasound. He received ASE’s Meritorious Service Award in 2012 recognizing his contributions to the field and ASE. Dr. Weyman was also a driving force behind the creation of the National Board of Echocardiography. He served as their first president and remained on their board in an emeritus status. In his honor, the NBE has supported the ASE’s YIA award since 2007.

He completed his medical degree at New Jersey College of Medicine in 1966 and proceeded to his first residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York. He then put his residency on hold while he served in the U.S. Navy as a Marine squadron and air group flight surgeon from 1968-1971. Upon returning, he completed a second year and chief residency at St. Vincent’s, followed by a three-year cardiology fellowship at Indiana University, where he was a fellow in training under ASE’s Founder Dr. Harvey Feigenbaum. In 1980, Dr. Weyman moved to Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, where he spent the rest of his illustrious career before retiring in 2022. Named Mass General’s chief of cardiology in 1994, his development of innovative methods, research models and exemplary mentoring led the way for echocardiography to become the go-to assessment tool for heart and vascular imaging. He built the echocardiography laboratory into a powerhouse for research, education, and clinical productivity. Known as “the mentor of mentors,” Dr. Weyman and the Mass General echo lab became the place where countless physicians and sonographers competed for fellowships to train in his lab and learn to be great echocardiographers and leaders including seven ASE Presidents.

As one of the founding leaders in echocardiography, he advocated tirelessly for international recognition of the pivotal role the noninvasive assessment tool plays in saving lives by quickly detecting cardiac issues in patients from infants to adults. His presence at the helm of ASE and NBE changed the field forever. He will be missed and we are forever grateful for his service.

A devoted family man, Weyman leaves behind his wife, Jean, their four children and grandchildren.

Listen to a 2009 interview with Dr. Weyman on ASE’s YouTube channel.

A funeral Mass for Dr. Weyman will be held in St. Paul Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley on Saturday, June 22, at 10AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. The Mass will also be live streamed at www.harborview.live. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley.

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June 14, 2024 By

ASE 2024 Research Spotlight 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angie Porter
919-297-7152
APorter@ASEcho.org

Echocardiography Plays an Important Role in Identifying Risk of Future Hypertension in Preeclampsia Patients

(DURHAM, NC, June 14, 2024)—Research that will be presented at the American Society of Echocardiography’s 35th Annual Scientific Sessions, June 14-16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon, will share how echocardiography can be used to help predict the future development of hypertension in women who had preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage during pregnancy, affects numerous women worldwide. After giving birth, some women who experienced preeclampsia are at an increased risk of developing hypertension. However, accurately identifying those at risk can be challenging, and there is currently limited research on how echocardiographic changes influence outcomes.

The research study, titled “Echocardiographic Parameters Associated with Future Hypertension in Patients with Preeclampsia,” intended to address that knowledge gap by utilizing echocardiography performed in the first three months post-preeclampsia to identify specific findings that could indicate an increased risk of high blood pressure in the future.

Researchers retrospectively examined echocardiographic predictors, such as left ventricular mass index (LVMi) and increased interventricular septal thickness (IVSD), as parameters for future diagnosis of hypertension. Out of the 252 women included in the study, which was conducted at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Penn., nearly 50 percent were subsequently diagnosed with hypertension during follow-up within 2.3 years.

“Our study used echocardiography to check for specific findings that could identify women who might be at higher risk for high blood pressure after preeclampsia,” said lead author Dr. Anushree Puttur, a resident physician at the Allegheny Health Network. “By finding these clues, we hope to improve how we monitor and care for women after they’ve had preeclampsia.”

ASE 2024 will feature more than 450 abstract presentations showcasing cutting-edge research on the latest advances in cardiovascular ultrasound and cases illustrating breakthroughs in patient care. This research study will be presented as a rapid-fire abstract presentation on Saturday, June 15, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center. Learn more about ASE 2024 and download the conference’s final event program at ASEScientificSessions.org.

About American Society of Echocardiography
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™. ASE is the largest global organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. For more information visit ASE’s website ASEcho.org or social media pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram.

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Filed Under: News
June 14, 2024 By

ASE 2024 Research Spotlight 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Angie Porter
919-297-7152
APorter@ASEcho.org

Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging Research Highlighted at ASE 2024

(DURHAM, NC, June 14, 2024)—Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the field of cardiovascular ultrasound imaging, and AI-focused research is a prominent topic at the American Society of Echocardiography’s 35th Annual Scientific Sessions, taking place June 14-16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon.

This year’s meeting is aptly named Innovations in Diagnosis and Beyond and will feature more than 450 abstract presentations showcasing cutting-edge research on the latest advances in cardiovascular ultrasound and cases illustrating breakthroughs in patient care.

Two research studies being presented on Saturday, June 15, examined a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared AI tool with the potential to streamline echocardiography exams and better identify patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

The first research study, titled “Real-World Clinical Validation of an Artificial Intelligence Pipeline for Automated Assessment of LV Function,” investigated the potential of AI-guided software in accurately and consistently measuring left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS), which are crucial in the diagnosis and management in patients with HFpEF.

Current practices often require sonographers to acquire multiple examples of the same view of the heart during an echocardiography exam and then retrospectively measure the most optimal image. This can lead to increased exam times, musculoskeletal injuries, and measurement variabilities. To address these challenges, researchers used AI technology to examine nearly 150 clinical echocardiograms and assess the effectiveness of an automated AI-driven process in providing reliable measurements.

Research findings indicated that an AI algorithm that automatically identifies images and provides GLS and LVEF in HFpEF patients may be a valuable tool in addressing sonographer and physician workflow, but also emphasized the need for further efforts to increase agreement between manual and automated echocardiography measurements.

“The echocardiography exam workflow presents a promising opportunity for AI to streamline processes and improve patient diagnoses,” said the study’s lead author Madeline Jankowski, BS, RDCS, ACS, FASE, a cardiac sonographer and clinical research associate at Northwestern University in Chicago. “At Northwestern Medicine, our collaboration involves a multidisciplinary team of physician and sonographer experts who evaluate emerging AI software for its diagnostic capabilities and utility within a busy healthcare institution. Given the complexity of incorporating AI into echocardiography, it remains crucial to include all stakeholders in ongoing discussions to address workflow and quality issues effectively.”

In the second study, titled “AI-Based Detection of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction,” researchers also aimed to test the capabilities of AI technology by evaluating nearly 700 clinical echocardiograms during a seven-day period. The novel AI software used a single four-chamber apical transthoracic echocardiogram to identify patients with HFpEF.

While the findings emphasized the need for additional testing to clarify diagnoses, especially in cases where certain parameters may impact the precision of existing tools, they also demonstrated comparable accuracy to established diagnostic tools in recognizing patients necessitating further evaluation for HFpEF. The AI software helped identify 68 percent more potential cases of HFpEF in patients undergoing routine echocardiograms.

“HFpEF is the most prevalent form of heart failure globally. However, pinpointing it can be difficult due to its varying presentation in patients,” said the study’s lead author Amogh Karnik, MD, MSc, a cardiovascular disease fellow at the McGaw Medical Center at Northwestern University. “In this study, we assessed a novel AI tool designed to detect signs of HFpEF by analyzing ultrasound images of the heart. Such a tool holds promise for early diagnosis of HFpEF, and can help facilitate earlier initiation of treatment.”

Learn more about ASE 2024 and download the conference’s final event program at ASEScientificSessions.org.

About American Society of Echocardiography
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™. ASE is the largest global organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. For more information visit ASE’s website ASEcho.org or social media pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram.

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Filed Under: News
June 14, 2024 By

ASE 2024 Research Spotlight 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Angie Porter
919-297-7152
APorter@ASEcho.org

Exploring Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Echocardiography at ASE 2024

(DURHAM, NC, June 14, 2024)—Echocardiography plays a foundational role in evaluating individuals with suspected cardiac conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Both HCM and CA can be difficult to distinguish in clinical practice, so researchers are examining the potential benefits of augmenting echocardiography with artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit patients in these cohorts.

The findings from two research studies exploring the application of AI with echocardiography in accurately diagnosing and managing HCM and CA patients will be presented as abstract poster presentations during the American Society of Echocardiography’s 35th Annual Scientific Sessions, June 14-16, 2024, in Portland, Oregon.

Utilizing Machine Learning for More Accurate and Expedited Pediatric HCM Diagnosis

HCM can be present at any age and difficult detect since patients are often asymptomatic. Moreover, HCM is a significant cause of sudden cardiac death in children, making early and accurate detection necessary.

The research study titled, “Identification of HCM in Children by Machine Learning Applied to Echocardiography,” developed machine learning models that provide accurate and expedited HCM diagnosis in children. The machine learning models created for this research study analyzed datasets from more than 30 years of echocardiography data of HCM patients. The information generated from these models will help guide medical teams in formulating patient treatment plans.

“Echocardiography is the imaging modality considered to be the gold standard for HCM diagnosis. Our research introduces an innovative application of AI to enhance pediatric HCM diagnosis through the automated analysis of echocardiography data in real-time,” says the study’s lead author Vanessa Karlinski Vizentin, MD, a research fellow at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic Cardiologist Adelaide M. Arruda-Olson, MD, PhD, who is a senior author of the study added, “This forward-thinking approach holds immense promise for optimizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that children affected by HCM receive timely diagnosis, interventions, and personalized care.”

AI with Echocardiography May Prevent Diagnostic Delays, Better Detect CA

CA is a disorder in which abnormally folded proteins deposit in the heart resulting in heart failure. CA is considered a rare disease in older adults; however, recent studies have shown that CA may be more common than initially thought.

A research study titled, “Novel Deep Learning Model for the Detection of Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Multicenter, International Study” tested AI’s ability to improve the detection of CA with echocardiography, allowing for earlier diagnosis and the initiation of life-saving therapies. The study’s deep learning model was able to accurately differentiate CA from phenotypic controls with increased wall thickness. This finding may augment the screening accuracy of echocardiography, preventing diagnostic delays and helping to better identify individuals at the highest risk for CA.

“Although echocardiography is frequently the first cardiac imaging test ordered to detect cardiac amyloidosis, classical echocardiographic features may miss many patients,” says the study’s lead author Jeremy Slivnick, MD, FASE, an assistant professor at The University of Chicago Medicine. “In our study, we developed a novel AI model which could accurately detect CA using only an apical four-chamber view. Our AI model has the potential to improve the echocardiographic detection of CA, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening disorder.”

ASE 2024 will feature more than 450 abstract presentations showcasing cutting-edge research on the latest advances in cardiovascular ultrasound and cases illustrating breakthroughs in patient care. Both of these AI research studies will be presented as poster presentations on Saturday, June 15, from 12 to 12:45 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center. Learn more about ASE 2024 and download the conference’s final event program at ASEScientificSessions.org.

About American Society of Echocardiography
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals™. ASE is the largest global organization for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging serving physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, and scientists and as such is the leader and advocate, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives. For more information visit ASE’s website ASEcho.org or social media pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram.

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Filed Under: News
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