Examination, Image Optimization & Knobology in Transthoracic Echocardiography

Echocardiography is a noninvasive imaging technology that plays a central role in the diagnosis and treatment of acquired and congenital cardiovascular disease. Image optimization is essential for the acquisition of high-quality images and enhances the diagnostic ability of the echocardiogram. This chapter serves as a fundamental guide to echocardiography, covering essential topics such as ultrasound knobology, physics, and standard transthoracic echocardiography procedures. It explores the basic morphology of the main cardiac structures and introduces a stepwise echocardiographic approach for the systematic evaluation of complex congenital heart diseases. The chapter also includes valuable tips for optimizing image acquisition and provides a checklist for systematic echocardiogram reporting.