A practical guide to pediatric coronary artery imaging with echocardiography

Abstract

Few resources exist to educate cardiac sonographers regarding proper techniques and specific issues to consider when performing pediatric coronary artery imaging. The main objective of this report is to review the echocardiographic techniques used to image the coronary arteries of children when screening for anomalous origin of the coronary arteries, as well as coronary involvement in the setting of Kawasaki disease. The authors discuss the physics and instrumentation for developing optimal coronary artery imaging system settings and present the commonly used anatomic and echocardiographic views. Use of the correct settings and a thorough understanding of the associated ultrasound physics are crucial for obtaining quality images. With this report, the authors provide guidance to sonographers and a resource for pediatric echocardiography laboratories to help ensure high-quality echocardiographic imaging of the coronary arteries.

Keywords: Coronary artery; Coronary artery aneurysm; Kawasaki disease; Pediatric echocardiography; Ultrasound imaging.