Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Which imaging view is primarily used to evaluate the right heart structures?

1. Apical four-chamber view

2. Parasternal long axis view

3. Subcostal view

4. Suprasternal view

The correct answer is: Apical four-chamber view

The apical four-chamber view is notably effective for evaluating the right heart structures, including the right atrium and right ventricle. This view provides a comprehensive perspective of all four cardiac chambers, allowing for simultaneous assessment of the left and right sides of the heart in one image. It is particularly useful for determining chamber sizes, wall motion abnormalities, and the presence of any valvular dysfunctions. In this view, the transducer is placed at the apex of the heart, directed toward the right shoulder. This positioning naturally captures the right chambers and provides valuable information on the inter-atrial and inter-ventricular septa, which is critical in assessing various right heart conditions, such as right ventricular hypertrophy, right atrial enlargement, and tricuspid valve diseases. Other views, although useful for different aspects of cardiac assessment, are not primarily focused on the right heart structures. The parasternal long-axis view primarily visualizes the left ventricle and the outflow tract, while the subcostal view can assess right heart structures but is more commonly utilized for inferior vena cava measurements and assessing pericardial effusion. The suprasternal view generally highlights aortic arch anatomy rather than the chambers of the heart, making