Skip to Main Content

Technique

  • From the parasternal long-axis position, rotate the transducer 90 degrees clockwise (to the patient’s left) or place the transducer in the 4th or 5th left parasternal intercostal space in a line connecting the left clavicle/shoulder and the right hip (Fig. 24.38).

  • Identify the left ventricle (circular), right ventricle (crescent-shaped), and surrounding pericardium (Fig. 24.39).

FIGURE 24.38

Parasternal Short-Axis View. Place the transducer in the fourth or fifth left parasternal intercostal space in a line connecting the left clavicle/shoulder and the right hip, with the transducer rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the parasternal long-axis view. (Photo contributor: Lawrence B. Stack, MD.)

FIGURE 24.39

Parasternal Short Axis. The left ventricle (circular) and right ventricle (crescent-shaped) and surrounding pericardium are seen. The papillary muscles are seen in cross-section. (Illustration contributor: Robinson M. Ferre, MD; ultrasound contributor: Shannon Snyder, MD, RDMS.)

Abnormal Findings

  • Pericardial effusion: Anechoic (black) region noted between the bright pericardium and the walls of the heart (Fig. 24.37).

  • Dilated right ventricle: The right ventricle is normally a crescent-shaped structure. A rounded, dilated right ventricle that deforms the rounded left ventricle (creating an “OD” sign) suggests elevated right-sided pressures, as seen with pulmonary emboli and severe pulmonary hypertension (Fig. 24.40).

FIGURE 24.40

Parasternal Short Axis. A rounded, dilated right ventricle that deforms the rounded left ventricle (creating an “OD” sign) suggests elevated right-sided pressures. (Illustration contributor: Robinson M. Ferre, MD; ultrasound contributor: Jeremy S. Boyd, MD.)

Pearl

  1. The standard parasternal short-axis view is obtained with the image plane at the level of the papillary muscles. Visualization of the papillary muscles should ensure a true transverse section through the left ventricle, and provides a prime location for the evaluation of left ventricular contraction and motion.

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.