SUBCOSTAL FOUR CHAMBER VIEW OF THE HEART

• This view is obtained by imaging the fetal chest in a transverse projection from the anterior chest wall and angling the transducer in a cephalad direction.

Video clip of the subcostal four chamber view

VISUALIZED STRUCTURES

1. Identification and comparison of both atrial and ventricular chambers. End-systolic and end-diastolic measurements of the ventricles can be obtained.
2. Ventricular free wall thickness.
3. Measurement of the atria.
4. Thickness of the interventricular septum. The septum is best visualized in this view for the detection of septal defects.
5. Foramen ovale can be visualized.
6. The pulmonary veins entering the left atrium.

COLOR DOPPLER ASSESSMENT

Cardiac chamber best assessed for perfusion in the apical four chamber view.