Parasternal Short Axis

The parasternal short axis view (PSAX) enables assessment of the concentricity of LV motility. This is particularly useful in the ischaemic heart. At the level below the mitral valve the left ventricle should be contracting in a concentric fashion and if a finger is placed in the ventricular cavity, the walls should all thicken and move towards the finger.

The indented right ventricle (RV) is clearly seen.

In addition the posterior pericardium is seen (for early effusion).

To obtain the parasternal short axis (PSAX) view, find the PLAX view. Once you have a good image, rotate the probe 90 degrees clockwise so that the marker is pointing towards the left shoulder