In which view are the right and left superior pulmonary veins typically visualized?

The right and left superior pulmonary veins are typically visualized in the parasternal long axis view. This view provides a longitudinal assessment of the left atrium and its relationship to the aorta and left ventricle, allowing for clear visualization of the entrance points of the superior pulmonary veins into the left atrium.

When performing echocardiography, the parasternal long axis view is one of the fundamental views used to assess cardiac structures and functions. By positioning the transducer in the third or fourth intercostal space along the left sternal border, the sonographer can obtain a comprehensive view of the heart, which includes significant vessels such as the pulmonary veins. This view is critical for evaluating left atrial size and function, as well as for diagnosing conditions that may affect these structures, such as atrial fibrillation or pulmonary venous obstruction.

Other views, such as the subcostal view, apical 4 chamber view, and parasternal short axis view, provide different perspectives and are useful for assessing various components of cardiac anatomy but do not as effectively visualize the pulmonary veins entering the left atrium. The subcostal view focuses more on the inferior aspects of the heart, the apical 4 chamber provides a view of all four