2022
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31835
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Comparison of the Quality of Echocardiography Imaging Between the Left Lateral Decubitus and Supine Positions

Abstract: It is commonly taught that positioning the patient in the left lateral decubitus (LLD) position will improve transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) image quality. Despite this, no previous studies have been performed that study this practice. Our goal was to quantify the difference in image quality of TTE views between the supine and LLD positions. MethodsThis was a prospective study in a single academic Emergency Department (ED) of a convenience sample of 30 patients. Three separate ED physicians performed TTE … Show more

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Cited by 3 publications
(2 citation statements)
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“…According to current guidelines, transthoracic apical four and two chambre views should ideally be acquired in the left lateral position to maximise image quality and avoid foreshortening [ 37 ]. However, for several reasons, this recommendation is only achievable in cardiology echocardiography clinics but rarely in perioperative and ICU settings and, strictly speaking, there is only little formal evidence of improved TTE imaging quality in the left lateral compared with the supine position [ 38 ]. The anaesthetised patients in our study, therefore, remained supine during the examinations to reflect such perioperative conditions.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…According to current guidelines, transthoracic apical four and two chambre views should ideally be acquired in the left lateral position to maximise image quality and avoid foreshortening [ 37 ]. However, for several reasons, this recommendation is only achievable in cardiology echocardiography clinics but rarely in perioperative and ICU settings and, strictly speaking, there is only little formal evidence of improved TTE imaging quality in the left lateral compared with the supine position [ 38 ]. The anaesthetised patients in our study, therefore, remained supine during the examinations to reflect such perioperative conditions.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Repositioning critically ill patients may be challenging for providers due to patient safety, particularly in the presence of obesity, an inability of the patient to assist, the presence of indwelling invasive devices, and other impediments. The left lateral decubitus position has been shown to improve parasternal and apical views by more than 12% by bringing the heart closer to the chest wall (8, 9). In obese patients, this will decrease the depth of penetration required for the ultrasound waves and ultimately decrease the amount of ultrasound wave attenuation.…”
Section: Body Habitusmentioning
confidence: 99%