The ME Asc Ao LAX view (120-140°) is obtained by withdrawing the probe slightly from the ME AV LAX view. The multiplane angle is rotated backwards to 90 – 110 degrees. This view allows for evaluation of the ascending aorta. The right pulmonary artery is seen in the near field, closer to the transducer.
The echo clip shows the proximal ascending aorta. There is a dissection flap present. TEE is the ultrasound technique of choice in thoracic aorta assessment and provides high-resolution images of the entire thoracic aorta except for a small portion of the distal ascending aorta near the innominate artery. TEE overcomes limitations encountered by TTE. TTE and TEE should be used in a complementary manner.
References:
1. Evangelista et al. Echocardiography in aortic diseases. EAE recommendations for clinical practice. Eur J of Echocardiography 2010.
2. Patil & Nierich. Transesophageal echocardiography evaluation of the thoracic aorta. Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia 2016.
