In echocardiography (echo), IVS stands for the Interventricular Septum.
Understanding the IVS in Echocardiography
The Interventricular Septum (IVS) is a crucial structure within the heart. It is the muscular wall that separates the left ventricle from the right ventricle. In an echocardiogram, measuring and assessing the appearance and motion of the IVS provides valuable information about the heart's structure and function.
As referenced, key structures and measurements often noted alongside the IVS in echocardiogram reports include:
| Abbreviation | Full Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IVS | Interventricular septum | The wall separating the left and right ventricles. |
| LVPW | Left ventricle posterior wall | The back wall of the left ventricle. |
| LVID (ED) | Left ventricle inner dimension | The inside width of the left ventricle at the end of diastole (filling phase). |
| LVID (ES) | Left ventricle inner dimension | Correction based on reference: The reference incorrectly listed LVID (ES) as left ventricle posterior wall at end systole. It should be Left ventricle inner dimension at end systole. The inside width of the left ventricle at the end of systole (pumping phase). |
Note: The reference provided had a slight discrepancy for LVID (ES), listing it incorrectly as LVPW. The standard definition for LVID (ES) is Left Ventricle Inner Dimension at End Systole.
Why is the IVS Measured in Echo?
Assessing the IVS during an echocardiogram is vital for several reasons:
- Thickness: The thickness of the IVS at the end of diastole (when the heart is relaxed and filling) is a standard measurement. Increased thickness can indicate conditions like left ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle), often related to high blood pressure or certain heart diseases.
- Motion: How the IVS moves during the cardiac cycle (contracting and relaxing) is observed. Abnormal motion might suggest issues with the septum itself or related structures like the mitral valve.
- Overall Function: The IVS is an integral part of the left ventricle's pumping action. Its function is assessed along with other walls to determine the overall strength and efficiency of the left ventricle.
Evaluating the IVS, along with other dimensions like the left ventricle's size (LVID ED and LVID ES) and the thickness of the LVPW, helps cardiologists diagnose various heart conditions and monitor treatment effectiveness.
