transthoracic echocardiography
Last reviewed 01/2018
Transthoracic echocardiography is the most widely used cardiac imaging procedure. It is a two dimensional technique, non-invasive and readily available. The most common indication is to investigate cerebral ischaemia.
Transthoracic echocardiography displays the left ventricle such that changes and filling defects can be detected easily. Posteriorly and deeply located atrial structures are difficult to image.
Contrast echo is often used with a Valsalva manoeuvre to detect right to left shunting through a patent foramen ovale.