Echocardiography. Acquired heart disease

Acquired disease of the cardiac valves, myocardium, and pericardium may be recognized through echocardiography. Quantitation of atrial and ventricular dimensions is a key aspect in the echocardiographic evaluation of acquired heart diseases. Subjective interpretation permits identification of pericardial effusion, dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular lesions, cardiac masses, and abnormal blood flow.