Table 3.

Recommendations for use of echocardiography in evaluation of the left ventricle.

PARAMETER OR INDICATION	APPROPRIATE (A), INAPPROPRIATE (I) OR UNDETERMINED (U)
2D Echo Assessment of LV Dimensions	A
Assessment by calculation of LVEF through the biplane method of disks (the Simpson rule)	A
LV evaluation in the presence of ventricular aneurysm by 3D echo if this methodology is available	A
Identify segmental wall motion disorders through 2D echo	A
Evaluation of LV systolic function by 2D echo in the presence of apical aneurysm and 3D echo available	I
Evaluation of global longitudinal deformity of the LV in the absence of motility disorders and preserved FEY in patients with suspected indeterminate form	A
It is recommended to evaluate the presence of ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with Chagas disease and impaired LVEF	A
Use of contrast echo in case of poor ultrasound window or in case of suspected left ventricular aneurysm if it is available	A
In a patient with Chagas disease and an echocardiogram without abnormalities, perform a stress echo with dobutamine to unmask ventricular dysfunction.	U