Case 7 — Spectral Doppler

Continuous wave Doppler tracing with the transducer placed over the right ventricle and the ultrasound beam positioned across the pulmonic valve region. The peak systolic velocity is 7.25 meters per second (normal is approximately 1 m/s). The machine has calculated a pressure gradient of 210 mmHg using the modified Bernoulli equation.

Continuous wave Doppler across the pulmonic valve region. Peak systolic velocity: 7.25 m/s (normal ≈1 m/s). Calculated pressure gradient: 210 mmHg (modified Bernoulli equation).

Continuous wave Doppler beam positioned across the tricuspid valve (transducer on the left side of the dog) showing a similar peak systolic velocity and pressure gradient as across the pulmonic valve.

Continuous wave Doppler across the tricuspid valve (transducer on left side of dog). A similar peak systolic velocity and pressure gradient to the pulmonic valve are recorded.

Quiz

1. Assuming that the peak systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery is 20 mmHg (normal), what is the peak systolic pressure in the right ventricle?

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