TEST ACRONYM

FULL TERMINOLOGY

Echocardiogram

DEFINITION

Echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The picture is much more detailed than x-ray image and involves no radiation exposure.

WHEN TEST WOULD BE PERFORMED

Before starting trastuzumab (Herceptin) treatment your doctor will check your heart using an echocardiogram or a multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan. Your doctor should also check your heart at intervals while you are receiving treatment.

INFORMATION VALUE

An ECHOmonitors LVEF levels before and during treatment with Herceptin to monitor for dropping levels. A drop could indicate cardiac concerns.

CAUTION

A drop of 10 points in the ejection fraction may indicate that Herceptin should be suspended until further evaluation of effect is established.