Transthoracic echocardiogram

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Echocardiography
• Cardiology
• Heart valve