UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Cardiology

Title: E-point septal separation (EPSS)

Keywords: E-point septal separation (EPSS), left ventricular function, bedside emergency ultrasound (PubMed Search)

Posted: 10/28/2012 by Semhar Tewelde, MD
Click here to contact Semhar Tewelde, MD

EPSS is an accurate and rapid bedside estimation of left ventricular function

First an image of heart should be obtained in the parasternal long-axis view

The ultrasound cursor should be placed through the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve

Subsequently, M-mode is applied and the distance between the anterior leaflet and the interventricular septum is measured during early diastole

A measurement of 7mm or greater indicates poor EF (see attachment below)

 

 

 

 

 

References

Secko MA, Lazar JM, Salcicciolo LA, Stone MB. Can junior emergency medicine physicians use E-point septal separation to accurately estimate left ventricular function in acutely dyspneic patients. Acad Emerg Med. 2011;18:1223-6 


Attachments

1210281940_Slide1.jpg (65 Kb)