Module 2: Normal 4-chamber view

The 4-chamber view:

• Is the most important section of the heart and it is essential to evaluate this correctly
• It is abnormal in about 60% of major cardiac malformations
• It must be analyzed systematically in terms of heart: size, position, structure and function
• Is ideally imaged when the fetal spine is down (apical view). Equally good assessment may be achieved with the lateral view or even the spine up apical view
• The rules for analysis of the 4-chamber view are the same no matter which way the fetus is lying