The review considers the diagnostic value of speckle tracking echocardiography for assessing the left ventricle systolic-diastolic function in ischemic heart disease, taking into account structural myocardial characteristics. Spiral structure of the myocardium and interaction of multidirectional fibers complicate the task of assessing the regional and global contractility of the left ventricle. Use of the speckle tracking echocardiography makes it possible to measure the cardiac strain in the longitudinal, circumferential, and radial directions. Speckle tracking echocardiography clinical use in case of the acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina is discussed. Speckle tracking echocardiography allows detection of the compensatory increase in longitudinal or circumferential strain in cases of left ventricle regional contractility disorders. Assessment of the left ventricular global strain, twist, and untwist provides prognostic information in patients with acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Despite the advantages, there are obstacles that make it difficult to use this method in clinical practice. The main ones are the quality of the ultrasound images and the absence of generally accepted normative strain values.

Of all tunnel syndromes the most common is the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), causing by the median nerve compression. The pictorial review presents the median nerve examination technique and the ultrasound images of carpal tunnel syndrome. The ultrasound criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis were analyzed, following of them are recommended for routine clinical practice: an increase of the median nerve cross-sectional area at the carpal tunnel entrance and (or) exit ≥0.11 cm² (11 mm²), in the bifid median nerve - ≥0.12 cm² (12 mm²); the difference in the median nerve cross-sectional areas at the level of carpal tunnel entrance (and) or exit and at the border of the middle and lower third of the forearm >0.02 cm² (2 mm²) and (or) index of the cross-sectional area >1.93; the hourglass shape of the median nerve at the long-axis view with the area of nerve compression deformity under the transverse carpal ligament; decrease of nerve echogenicity and loss of the fascicular pattern at the carpal tunnel entrance, carpal tunnel and (or) carpal tunnel exit; local hypervascularity of the enlarged median nerve (necessarily combined with a significant increase of the median nerve cross-sectional area).

Alagille syndrome is a multisystem autosomal dominant disorder. The diagnostic criteria are morphologically proven intrahepatic bile duct hypoplasia and at least three of the five main clinical signs: cholestasis, congenital cardiac defects, skeletal anomalies, ophthalmologic abnormalities, and characteristic facial features. Renal involvement is considered as an additional diagnostic criterion. The article presents a case report of Alagille syndrome in a male child with the follow-up during the first 18 month of life. A single nucleotide substitution с.550C>T(р.Arg184Cys) in a heterozygous state in exon 4 was found in JAG1 molecular genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis. Ultrasound revealed an abnormal shape of the gallbladder (a balloon on a string sign), hyperechoic renal cortex, elongated shape of pyramids, and multiple cysts in its projection, enlarging with age. Peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis was moderate, not required any treatment, and decreased with age. The ultrasound signs of hepatobiliary system, kidneys, and heart abnormality may be used for diagnosis of cholestasis causes in young children with Alagille syndrome and for timely determination of treatment strategy.

The basic requirements and recommendations for transthoracic echocardiography in adults were developed regarding to the current guidelines by experts from the Russian Association of Specialists in Ultrasound Diagnostics in Medicine (RASUDM) and the Russian Association of Specialists in Functional Diagnostics (RASFD). The aspects of the safety and conditions for performing of transthoracic echocardiography were discussed. Basic requirements to ultrasound equipment were formulated. Recommendations on the procedure for performing transthoracic echocardiography and report were given. A minimal data set for registration and storage regarding to the current requirements was presented. Adherence to the standard allows to improve the effectiveness of transthoracic echocardiography in adults.

The article presents standards for performing and reporting of ultrasound examination of native renal arteries in adults. The document consists of ultrasound protocol, which describes the methodology of ultrasound examination performing, and ultrasound report, describing the examination results, with final conclusion. During the examination not only a standard assessment of blood flow in the main renal artery and intrarenal arteries is necessary, but also the assessment of abdominal aorta and kidneys using a limited protocol. The ultrasound protocol and ultrasound report comply with current national and international guidelines.