Parasternal long axis view in echocardiography

Parasternal long axis view in echocardiography

Parasternal long axis view is usually the first view which is obtained in echocardiography. The transducer is placed in the left parasternal region with the beam oriented to image the heart in long axis view. Right ventricular outflow region is seen at the top. Interventricular septum, aorta, left ventricle and left atrium are the other structures seen. The dense interface of pericardium is seen posterior to left atrium and left ventricle. But echocardiography is not that good for assessing the thickness of pericardium, though it is excellent for assessment of pericardial effusion. This is because the interface is highly echogenic and the thickness can be over estimated as in this case.

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