Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Which echocardiographic view is most useful for assessing left ventricular function?

1. apical five chamber

2. subcostal view

3. parasternal short axis

4. apical four chamber

The correct answer is: apical four chamber

The apical four chamber view is particularly valuable for assessing left ventricular function because it provides a comprehensive visualization of the left ventricle, left atrium, right atrium, and right ventricle. This view allows the sonographer to evaluate wall motion, chamber sizes, and overall contractility, which are essential factors in determining left ventricular performance. In this view, the alignment of the ultrasound beam along the long axis of the heart enables the assessment of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction through techniques like Simpson's method. The apical four chamber view offers a direct look at the left and right ventricles simultaneously, making it easier to identify any dysfunction or abnormalities in contractile motion. In contrast, while the other views have their specific uses in echocardiography, they may not be as effective for a detailed evaluation of left ventricular function. The apical five chamber view, for example, includes the left ventricle and provides additional information about the aortic outflow tract, but does not allow the same level of evaluation of overall left ventricular performance. The parasternal short axis view focuses on different levels of the left ventricle but lacks the comprehensive assessment of volumes and function present in the apical four chamber view. The subcost