Transthoracic echocardiogram

Transthoracic Echocardiogram[edit | edit source]

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a non-invasive medical test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. It is one of the most common types of echocardiography and is used to assess the heart's structure and function.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

During a transthoracic echocardiogram, a sonographer or a cardiologist applies a gel to the patient's chest and uses a transducer to send ultrasound waves through the chest wall. These waves bounce off the heart structures and are captured by the transducer, which sends the data to a computer to create images of the heart.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Transthoracic echocardiograms are used to evaluate:

The size and shape of the heart chambers
The movement of the heart walls
The function of the heart valves
The presence of any abnormal masses or fluid around the heart

Images[edit | edit source]

A technician performing a transthoracic echocardiogram.

Doppler echocardiography of the mitral valve.

Flow in the pulmonic valve as seen in a transthoracic echocardiogram.

Parasternal long axis view of the heart.

Short axis view of the left ventricle.

Short axis view of the aortic valve.

Apical four-chamber view of the heart.

Apical two-chamber view of the heart.

Subcostal view of the heart.

Diagram of echocardiographic views.

Advantages[edit | edit source]

The transthoracic echocardiogram is a widely used diagnostic tool because it is:

Non-invasive
Safe and painless
Provides real-time images
Can be performed at the bedside

Limitations[edit | edit source]

While TTE is a valuable diagnostic tool, it has some limitations, including:

Limited image quality in patients with obesity or lung disease
Difficulty in visualizing certain heart structures

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram
Transthoracic echocardiogram

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