Figure 1 - Heart structures that can be observed using the apical 2-chamber view. A,B - cross section; C - detail; D - ultrasound. 2C - 2 chambers; 4C - 4 chambers; SAX - parasternal short axis; LAX - parasternal long axis; post - posterior; ant - anterior; VK - left ventricle; VF - left atrium.

With the apical 2-chamber view, the following structures can be visualized:

• left ventricle and left atrium,

• the inferior and anterior walls of the left ventricle,

• the mitral valve.

With this projection, you can assess:

• left ventricular systolic function, as well as regional wall motion abnormalities,

• size of the left ventricle and left atrium (both visual estimation as well as measuring with Simpson’s biplane),

• morphology of the mitral valve.

If you place a color Doppler and a continuous Doppler here, you can also assess the function of the mitral valve.