This content has been prepared for informational purposes to protect public health, in compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey and medical ethical rules. It does not provide any diagnosis, treatment guarantees, or specific medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for the most accurate information.
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a non-invasive ultrasound imaging method used to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. It is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tools in cardiology.
What is Transthoracic Echocardiography?#
TTE creates real-time images of the heart using ultrasound waves from the chest wall. Heart chambers, valves, walls, and blood flow can be evaluated.
Advantages of TTE:
- Non-invasive and painless
- No radiation
- Real-time imaging
- Bedside evaluation with portable devices
- Repeatable
TTE Indications#
Heart Structure Evaluation#
- Heart chamber sizes
- Wall thickness
- Congenital heart diseases
- Pericardial effusion
- Cardiac tumors
Heart Function Evaluation#
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF)
- Diastolic function
- Regional wall motion abnormalities
- Heart failure follow-up
Valve Diseases#
- Valve stenosis
- Valve regurgitation
- Valve prolapse
- Prosthetic valve function
- Suspected endocarditis
Other Indications#
- Hypertension evaluation
- Cardiomyopathy
- Aortic diseases
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Cardiac arrhythmias
How is TTE Performed?#
Preparation#
- No special preparation required
- Upper garments need to be removed
- Left lateral decubitus position
Procedure Steps#
- Gel application: Ultrasound gel is applied to the chest
- Probe placement: Images obtained from different windows
- Imaging modes: 2D, M-mode, Doppler
- Measurements: Standard measurements and calculations
- Reporting: Findings are reported
Imaging Windows#
- Parasternal window (left sternal border)
- Apical window (cardiac apex)
- Subcostal window (upper abdomen)
- Suprasternal window (neck)
Parameters Evaluated in TTE#
Left Ventricle#
- Ejection fraction (EF) - Normal: 55-70%
- End-diastolic diameter
- End-systolic diameter
- Wall thickness
- Mass index
Right Ventricle#
- Size and function
- TAPSE (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion)
- Pulmonary artery pressure estimation
Valves#
- Morphology
- Flow velocities
- Pressure gradients
- Valve area
- Regurgitation severity
Aorta and Pulmonary Artery#
- Aortic root diameter
- Pulmonary artery diameter
- Flow pattern
Types of TTE#
Standard TTE#
- Routine cardiological evaluation
- Most commonly used method
Contrast Echocardiography#
- Left ventricular border definition
- Intracardiac shunt evaluation
- Myocardial perfusion assessment
Strain Echocardiography#
- Myocardial deformation analysis
- Detection of subclinical dysfunction
- Chemotherapy cardiotoxicity monitoring
TTE vs TEE Comparison#
| Feature | TTE | TEE |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Chest wall | Esophagus |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Semi-invasive |
| Sedation | Not required | May be required |
| Image quality | Good | Excellent |
| Posterior structures | Limited | Superior |
Appointment and Contact#
For more information about transthoracic echocardiography and appointments:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)