Why are patients receiving Adriamycin therapy referred to the echo lab?

Patients receiving Adriamycin therapy are referred to the echo lab to evaluate left ventricular function because Adriamycin (doxorubicin) is known to have cardiotoxic effects, especially at higher cumulative doses. This chemotherapy agent can cause damage to cardiac myocytes, potentially leading to left ventricular dysfunction, which may ultimately result in heart failure.

Echocardiography is a valuable tool in assessing the heart's structural and functional parameters. By evaluating left ventricular function, healthcare providers can detect early signs of cardiotoxicity, allowing for timely intervention. Regular monitoring through echocardiograms enables clinicians to follow the patient's cardiac status and tailor treatment plans accordingly to mitigate the risk of long-term heart damage.

While aortic stiffness, valve morphology, and right ventricular pressure assessments are important aspects of cardiac evaluation, they are not the primary focus when monitoring patients undergoing Adriamycin therapy. The risk of left ventricular dysfunction caused by this medication makes the assessment of left ventricular function critical in this context.