Which 2D view is most effective for assessing the interatrial septum?

The subcostal four chamber view is particularly effective for assessing the interatrial septum due to its unique positioning and orientation. This view provides a clear cross-section of the heart's structure, allowing for optimal visualization of the atria and the septum that separates them. The interatrial septum can often hide in other views due to its orientation and the positional variability of the heart, but the subcostal view allows sonographers to visualize it more directly.

In this view, the transducer is placed inferiorly to the xiphoid process, angling it toward the patient's left shoulder. This positioning enhances the ability to detect any abnormalities such as atrial septal defects or structural variations within the septum itself. The ability to visualize this area clearly is crucial for proper assessment and diagnosis.

Other views, such as the parasternal long axis or the apical four chamber, do provide valuable information regarding the heart's chambers, but they may not always offer the best perspective on the interatrial septum. The suprasternal view is primarily used for visualizing the aorta and the great vessels, rather than focusing on the atrial structures. Therefore, when assessing the interatrial septum specifically, the subcostal