Diaphragmatic downward excursion as a novel metric for assessing Valsalva maneuver efficacy in patent foramen ovale detection by contrast transthoracic echocardiography.

Authors: Li Y, Chen A, Zhu J, Zhu L, Boburjon T, Jiang Z, Liu X.

DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1616241

Abstract Summary

New study shows diaphragmatic downward excursion (DDE) offers a simple, objective way to assess Valsalva maneuver quality during echocardiography for patent foramen ovale diagnosis. In 145 patients, DDE outperformed traditional cardiac parameters in identifying adequate Valsalva efforts, potentially improving PFO detection accuracy and standardizing this critical diagnostic technique.

Why Brain? 🧠

Diaphragmatic downward excursion offers a simple, objective way to assess Valsalva maneuver quality during echocardiography for patent foramen ovale detection, outperforming traditional measures.

License: CC BY.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.