We shall now further evaluate this echocardiogram.
This still-frame of a 2-dimensional parasternal long axis view clearly shows the left ventricle as well as the left atrium, aorta, posterior wall, septum, and right ventricle.
In the real-time study that follows, note the opening and closing motions of the mitral valve and the more subtle motion of the aortic valve. Note also that the septum and the posterior wall of the left ventricle approach each other in systole and separate in diastole.
Doppler technique
When echocardiography is combined with the Doppler technique, hemodynamic abnormalities may be quantitated. Blood flow velocity and direction associated with valvular and shunt lesions may be measured.
Normal color Doppler
This is a still-frame of a normal color flow doppler image from the apical 4-chamber view. The left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, and right ventricle are labeled. The red color code demonstrates blood moving toward the transducer from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The blue color code demonstrates blood flowing away from the transducer from the left ventricle to the aorta.
The following real-time study shows normal blood flow and function.
Other techniques
Other echocardiographic techniques are also useful. In selected cases, the transesophageal technique provides a more detailed view of cardiac pathology. Stress echocardiography is especially useful to define ischemic wall motion abnormalities.