The introduction of quantitative Doppler echocardiography gave rise to explo- sive interest in the application of this method in clinical cardiology. However, before cardiologists could fully validate its clinical utility, they were confronted with a further development, namely color-coded Doppler flow imaging. This new technique allows a comprehensive study of the direction, velocity, uniformity and timing of intracardiac blood flow, while simultaneously revealing cardiac struc- tures and their movement. 'Color Doppler' facilitates the diagnosis of a variety of cardiac conditions, and an overwhelming amount of information is available at any instant. Interpretation of these fascinating images requires a substantial experience and theoretical background. This monograph updates the application of color Doppler to both congenital and acquired heart disease. The work comprises 15 chapters written by authorities in the field, each of whom presents his most recent experience in the field. In addition, further advantages in the clinical use of pulsed and continuous wave Doppler in pediatric and adult cardiol- ogy are presented. This book contains, of course, many color plates. 1.Roelandt, M. D. VII Contents Preface V List of contributors IX 1. Technical aspects and physical principles revisited Structure and performances of mono- and bidimensional pulsed Doppler systems 3 P. Peronneau, B. Diebold, J. P. Guglielmi, O. Lanusel, R. Bele, J. Souquet Estimation of transvalvular pressure drops hy Doppler echocardiography: the Bernoulli equation revisited 19 H. Rijsterborgh, 1. Roelandt Factors influencing fluid velocity measurements in valvular regurgitation 29 B. Wranne, P. Ask, D.
