Ultrasound of the Week Answer
"The Descending Aorta"
If you think about the bottom of your ultrasound screen being POSTERIOR you'll soon realize that that circle is the descending aorta. The parasternal long axis is one of the few transthoracic views where you can pick up this part of the aorta. Always glance here to check for dilation (i.e. dissection!)
A. Stanford type A or DeBakey I
B. Stanford type A or Debakey II
C. Stanford B or Debakey III
D. Put your bank funds on hold.
Ultrasound Teaching Cases
Copyright 2007 Palmetto Health Emergency Ultrasound Fellowship