A basic digital imaging protocol for pediatric echocardiography.

PLAX

  • Two-dimensional (2D) assessment of left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA), mitral valve (MV), aortic valve (AV), and aortic root
  • Aortic root measurements
  • LV outflow tract (LVOT) diameter measurement
  • 2D and/or M-mode LV cavity diastolic and systolic measurements
  • 2D and/or M-mode LV wall thickness measurement
  • 2D LA dimensions
  • Color flow imaging of MV and AV/LVOT
  • 2D imaging of right ventricular inflow and tricuspid valve
  • Color flow imaging of tricuspid valve
  • Continuous wave (CW) Doppler of tricuspid regurgitation if present

PSAX

  • 2D imaging of LV at base, mid, and apex
  • 2D imaging of MV
  • 2D/color flow imaging of AV
  • 2D/color flow imaging of pulmonary valve/proximal pulmonary artery
  • 2D/color flow imaging of tricuspid valve

Apical

  • 2D dimensions of LA
  • 2D imaging
    • LV4-chamber view
    • Long-axis view
    • 2-chamber view
    • Apical short axis
  • 2D/color flow imaging of MV
  • 2D/color flow imaging of tricuspid valve and AV/LVOT
  • Pulsed wave (PW) Doppler
    • mitral inflow
    • pulmonary veins
    • LVOT
  • Doppler tissue imaging of medial or lateral mitral annulus
  • CW Doppler
    • MV (if MV disease is present)
    • AV
    • tricuspid valve

Subcostal

  • 2D imaging in long and short axes of LA, right atrium, LA, and LV
  • 2D/color flow imaging of atrial septum
  • Color flow imaging of tricuspid valve
  • 2D imaging of inferior vena cava/hepatic veins
  • 2D imaging of aorta

Suprasternal

  • 2D imaging in long and short axes of aortic arch
  • PW or CW Doppler of descending thoracic aorta
The transition from an analog to a digital echocardiography laboratory: the Mayo experience.
J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2004 Nov;17(11):1214-24. Review.