Anatomical Structures Corresponding to Each View in Echocardiography (I)
Preface
At the request of a friend, I am writing this article about the relevant anatomy for echocardiography. The examination has been done and the report is detailed, yet there is still a desire to see what the images actually look like. So, let’s simply present the images below…
I. Parasternal Long-Axis View
The transducer is placed in the 3rd and 4th intercostal spaces at the left sternal border, with the scanning beam plane parallel to the line connecting the right sternoclavicular joint and the left nipple. The displayed anatomical structures include the ascending aorta (AAO), aortic root, aortic valve (AV), left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV), interventricular septum (IVS), left ventricle (LV), and left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW).
Closest to the transducer is the anterior wall of the right ventricle, so the top of the sector angle is the right ventricle, followed by the interventricular septum, left ventricle, ascending aorta, and left atrium.
II. Apical Four-Chamber View
The transducer is placed at the apical impulse, with the sound beam directed toward the right sternoclavicular joint. The interventricular septum (IVS) extends from the apex to the base of the heart, converging with the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve, the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, and the interatrial septum (IAS). The interatrial septum extends toward the base of the heart and terminates at the atrial dome at the top of the atrium. The displayed anatomical structures include the left ventricle (LV), mitral valve (MV), left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV), tricuspid valve (TV), right atrium (RA), interventricular septum (IVS), and interatrial septum (IAS).
Closest to the transducer is the apex of the left ventricle, so the apex is located at the top of the sector angle.