Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content +++ Technique ++ From the parasternal long-axis position, rotate the transducer 90 degrees clockwise (to the patient’s left) or place the transducer in the 4th or 5th left parasternal intercostal space in a line connecting the left clavicle/shoulder and the right hip (Fig. 24.38). Identify the left ventricle (circular), right ventricle (crescent-shaped), and surrounding pericardium (Fig. 24.39). ++ FIGURE 24.38 Parasternal Short-Axis View. Place the transducer in the fourth or fifth left parasternal intercostal space in a line connecting the left clavicle/shoulder and the right hip, with the transducer rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the parasternal long-axis view. (Photo contributor: Lawrence B. Stack, MD.) Graphic Jump LocationView Full Size|Favorite Figure|Download Slide (.ppt) ++ FIGURE 24.39 Parasternal Short Axis. The left ventricle (circular) and right ventricle (crescent-shaped) and surrounding pericardium are seen. The papillary muscles are seen in cross-section. (Illustration contributor: Robinson M. Ferre, MD; ultrasound contributor: Shannon Snyder, MD, RDMS.) Graphic Jump LocationView Full Size|Favorite Figure|Download Slide (.ppt) Graphic Jump LocationView Full Size|Favorite Figure|Download Slide (.ppt) +++ Abnormal Findings ++ Pericardial effusion: Anechoic (black) region noted between the bright pericardium and the walls of the heart (Fig. 24.37). Dilated right ventricle: The right ventricle is normally a crescent-shaped structure. A rounded, dilated right ventricle that deforms the rounded left ventricle (creating an “OD” sign) suggests elevated right-sided pressures, as seen with pulmonary emboli and severe pulmonary hypertension (Fig. 24.40). ++ FIGURE 24.40 Parasternal Short Axis. A rounded, dilated right ventricle that deforms the rounded left ventricle (creating an “OD” sign) suggests elevated right-sided pressures. (Illustration contributor: Robinson M. Ferre, MD; ultrasound contributor: Jeremy S. Boyd, MD.) Graphic Jump LocationView Full Size|Favorite Figure|Download Slide (.ppt) Graphic Jump LocationView Full Size|Favorite Figure|Download Slide (.ppt) +++ Pearl ++ The standard parasternal short-axis view is obtained with the image plane at the level of the papillary muscles. Visualization of the papillary muscles should ensure a true transverse section through the left ventricle, and provides a prime location for the evaluation of left ventricular contraction and motion. GET ACCESS TO THIS RESOURCE Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Username? Forgot Password? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth Get Free Access Through Your Institution Contact your institution's library to ask if they subscribe to McGraw-Hill Medical Products. Access My Subscription GET ACCESS TO THIS RESOURCE Subscription Options Pay Per View Timed Access to all of AccessMedicine 24 Hour $34.95 (USD) Buy Now 48 Hour $54.95 (USD) Buy Now Best Value AccessMedicine Full Site: One-Year Individual Subscription $995 USD Buy Now View All Subscription Options