Standard right parasternal long axis view from a normal whippet.

Steps in evaluation of an image are generally along the following lines:

1. Left atrial diameter / size appears normal.
2. Left ventricular diameter appears normal and its shape is normal, i.e. 'bullet-shaped' and not globoid.
3. The pericardial (lung) reflection is adjacent to the left heart and thus there is no evidence of pericardial fluid.
4. Left ventricular contractility is good.
5. Right heart appears to be of a normal size. When dilated this becomes more prominent, pushing the left heart away from the probe.
6. Mitral and tricuspid valves appear normal, with no thickening, nodules or prolapse.
7. The ECG shows a normal sinus arrhythmia.

This is one of a series of 25 videos.