Practical Neonatal Echocardiography

A concise introduction to the principles and practice of point-of-care echocardiography for neonatologists 

Practical Neonatal Echocardiography is based on an acclaimed course that the authors have taught for the past 15 years at USC training neonatologists in cardiac ultrasound of neonatal patients for on-the-spot examination and diagnosis. Drs. Siassi and Noori have trained hundreds of physicians to use ultrasound equipment to examine neonatal cardiac function at the first sign of distress, leading to faster diagnosis and referral to pediatric cardiologists for treatment. This book is designed to help readers develop the skills necessary to perform a high quality neonatal echocardiographic examination, evaluate cardiac function, and recognize abnormalities and defects.

Practical Neonatal Echocardiography begins with an introduction to the basic principles of echocardiography and the ultrasound scanners commonly used at pediatric cardiac centers. Neonatal cardiac anatomy is clearly described through the use of 2-dimensional images and video clips. Subsequent chapters teach the assessment of cardiac function, blood flow, shunts, physical defects, and abnormalities that may exist in the absence of a
defect. Myocardial dysfunction, heart failure, shock, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, cyanosis, and more are discussed in detail with multiple illustrative cases.

• Integrated throughout the chapters are 110 video clips, which when looped, will display a beating heart. These real-life cases will help readers hone their skills in recognizing defects in cardiac function and growth.
• Covers essential principles of echocardiography with clear descriptions and illustrations
• Describes common features of ultrasound scanners and how to use them

About the Author

Bijan Siassi, MD is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California.

Shahab Noori, MD is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, and attending neonatologist, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Ruben Acherman, MD is Professor of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Nevada.

Pierre Wong, MD is Associate Professor of Pediatric Cardiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California; and Director, Echocardiography Lab and Cardiac Pathology Registry, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.