Scout Images:
From coronal scout images, obtain a series of conventional axial (transverse)
through the chest (such as with HASTE). Then, identify an axial image
showing both left and right ventricles. Start off with conventional
coronal scout images and identify an axial
image showing the right and left ventricles.
Coronal
Scout
Axial
Scout
Two-chamber Scout: Use the axial
scout image to position a single oblique slice through the left
ventricle parallel to the interventricular septum. This will give you
a two-chamber scout view.
Axial
Scout
Two-chamber
Scout
Short Axis: Use the two-chamber
scout and axial scout image to position
a double oblique slice perpendicular to the long axis of the heart on
both views. This will give you the short axis
view. (see movie)
Axial
Scout
Two-chamber
Scout
Short
Axis
(click video to play/stop)
Four-chamber (or Horizontal Long Axis):
Use the axial scout and two-chamber
scout to position the plane that bisects the left ventricle horizontally,
called the horizontal long axis or four-chamber
view. (see movie)
Two-chamber
Scout
Short
Axis
Four-chamber
or HLA
(click video to play/stop)
Two-chamber (or Vertical Long Axis):
Although you could use the two-chamber scout slice position for a two-chamber
view, strictly speaking the two-chamber is usually a double-oblique
view and can be positioned using the four-chamber
and short axis views. (see movie)
Four-chamber
or HLA
Short
Axis
Two-chamber
or VLA
(click video to play/stop)
Left ventricular outflow
tract: The view we routinely acquire
are gradient echo sequences in thoracic aorta MR angiography cases so
that we can evaluate the aortic valve. To get to this view, simply use
a series of straight axial images through the aortic root and left ventricle
and position an oblique coronal so that it passes through the aortic
root and left ventricular outflow tract.
