Apical Pulmonary Artery View

Description

This view is obtained by starting from the position required for the four chamber view. Anterior angulation of the beam will eventually reveal the right ventricular outflow tract. The colour Doppler loop demonstrates the RV outflow tract and the main pulmonary artery. The aortic arch is seen emerging posterior to the PA. Trace pulmonary incompetence is noted.

Position

Ultrasound

Colour Doppler

Diagram


Note the course of the pulmonary artery. It is the most anterior structure going from right to left. The left pulmonary artery (LPA) is seen. The right pulmonary artery RPA is obscured as is traverses behind the ascending aorta.