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We describe a case of severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) with severe mitral incompetence due to systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet (SAM) that was recognised thanks to the immediate availability of transoesophageal echocardiography during the resuscitation of anaphylactic shock. The patient rapidly responded to cessation of the epinephrine (adrenaline) infusion and intravascular volume expansion with intravenous crystalloid. The absence of risk factors for developing SAM/LVOTO serve as a warning to clinicians to consider this diagnosis in all cases of epinephrine non-responsive anaphylactic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A suggested standard examination (SSE) for intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography for cardiac surgery was developed at the Green Lane Department of Cardiothoracic and Otorhinolaryngology Anaesthesia at the Auckland City Hospital. The examination includes views to be recorded in all patients pre- and postcardiopulmonary bypass. There are also additional views to be recorded in patients with valvular pathology. Using the SQUIRE (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines, we report an audit comparing acquisition ratios before and after introduction of the SSE. A baseline mean acquisition ratio of 0.62 was achieved, which was not significantly changed by the introduction of the SSE. Nevertheless, we found the SSE to be a useful audit tool and believe it might be of interest to others to assist with perioperative transoesophageal echocardiography quality assurance and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]