Guidelines for the Standardization of Adult Echocardiography Reporting: Recommendations From the American Society of Echocardiography

Abstract

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) plays a vital role in establishing practice standards and guidelines within the echocardiography field. Its influence is comprehensive, covering training, image acquisition, nomenclature, measurements, diagnosis, and quality improvement. This report focuses on the final phases of the diagnostic imaging process, specifically reporting and communicating exam results. It provides updates to previously published guidelines on the required components of a comprehensive echocardiography report. Standardization within echocardiography reports is essential to uphold quality, consistency, and interoperability across various echocardiography (echo) labs, institutions, and healthcare systems, as well as over different time points. Additionally, standardized reporting is crucial for facilitating big data analysis, aligning with the current emphasis on machine learning and artificial intelligence. This document delineates core measurements and statements applicable to transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiography. It also elucidates abbreviations, acronyms, terminology, and definitions to enhance communication. The path from preliminary report to final submission is clarified, alongside examples of critical, urgent, and significant findings. Recommendations include comparison of serial echocardiograms and, when clinically relevant, comparisons with other imaging modalities. The document addresses the integration of simple congenital heart disease (CHD) findings appropriate for an adult echo lab. Standardization facilitates clinical and research endeavors by ensuring clear and consistent data reporting, thereby enabling seamless data sharing and reusability.

Keywords: Communication; Echocardiography; Nomenclature and terminology; Quality improvement; Standardized echo report.