Doppler Study of the Heart (Spectral) in Different Pathological Conditions and Measurements

Spectral Doppler is an important aspect of Echocardiogram. It gives information about the blood flow through the Valves and Vessels including type (Streamline/Turbulent), the presence and degree of Stenosis or Regurgitation in the Valves, the presence and degree of Atrial Septal defect, Ventricular Septal Defect, Patent Ductus Arteriosus etc. The Bernoulli’s Equation, the Pressure Half Time, and the Continuity Equation all utilize Spectral Doppler information to provide the values or degree of Stenosis or Regurgitation. Semi quantitative values are provided by the Spectral Doppler. A skilled Sonographer can infer from the visual impression of the tracings, the severity of the lesion. The Doppler Principle is used to calculate the velocity of blood flow. The Doppler Frequency is in the audible range and hence makes a sound during the recording. Spectral Doppler is divided into Pulse Wave and Continuous Wave Doppler. The salient features of these are already discussed in Chap. 37 . In this chapter, the reader is provided information about the Doppler study in the different views and the utility of these tracings in defining the pathological conditions. Information about obtaining the images step by step is provided in this chapter, so that the person performing the Echocardiogram becomes proficient in the whole process of getting the images and reporting them.