The hemodynamic evaluation of patients with acute circulatory failure and respiratory failure was usually performed using invasive procedures but recent years have witnessed the onset of less invasive monitoring devices. Echocardiography can be used both for diagnosis and management of circulatory failure and respiratory failure.
The hemodynamic evaluation by echocardiography is based on the integration of simple indices that can be easily acquired within a few minutes at bedside. The scope of this book is to provide the essential information to readers in order to allow optimal hemodynamic management guided by echocardiography

- Echeocardiography in the critically-ill: an overview

Principles of ultrasound and principal views: Knobology: how should I set my echosystem
Transthoracic echocardiography: 2-D and Doppler
Transesophageal echocardiography: 2-D and Doppler
Hemodynamic assessment: Heart lung interactions
Measurement of cardiac output
Assessment of preload.-Evaluation of left ventricular systoclic function (global and basic regional).-Funtional asessment of the right ventricle (pump function and pulmonary artery pressure)
Diagnosis and management of circulatory failure: Diagnosis the cause of circulatory failure (introducing overview-decision algorhythm)
Septic shock.-Cardiogenic shock (AMI LV/RV, fulminant myocarditis, toxic overdose, valves)
Right ventricular failure( Pulmonary embolism, acute and chronic cor pulmonate)
Cardiac tamponade
Diagnosis and management of acute respiratory failure: How to differentiate hydrostatic from non hydrostatic pulmonary edema?- Cardiogenic pulmonary edema
ARDS
Specific situations: Thoracic trauma
The unstable patient after cardiac surgery
Acute aortic syndrome
What should I know/ How to learn echocardiography- Conclusions and perspectives