Echocardiogram

Echocardiography (often called echo or cardiac ultrasound) allows doctors to look at the detailed structure of the heart, including the chambers, valves, veins and arteries, as well as the heart function. This study may help to diagnose many heart problems.

The echocardiography laboratory at Cohen Children’s Medical Center is accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) for pediatric and fetal echocardiography, which ensures a high-level of training and imaging standards. A sonographer with specialized training in imaging for children and fetuses performs the echocardiogram under the supervision of our pediatric cardiologists, who specialize in pediatric and/or fetal echocardiography.

Echocardiogram (Transthoracic)
Most children who are suspected of having heart disease will have a transthoracic echocardiogram, or cardiac ultrasound. This test requires using a small hand-held device, with ultrasound gel placed on the child's chest to look at the heart from many different angles. The echocardiogram is not painful, and typically takes 30 minutes in a dark room with a television and DVD player available to distract the child.

Sedated Echocardiogram
Occasionally an infant or toddler may be unable to cooperate with an echocardiogram, and a sedated echocardiogram may be requested to better delineate details about the child's cardiac anatomy. These studies are scheduled with a pediatric anesthesiologist, who uses medication to allow the child to sleep through the study. The child must not eat for several hours before a sedated study so anesthesia can be given safely. A nurse will advise the family of these details when a sedated echocardiogram is scheduled.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A transesophageal echocardiogram allows doctors to look at detailed structures of the heart via a small tube that goes through the mouth into the esophagus and stomach. This study is sometimes recommended when the transthoracic echocardiogram does not show adequate details. These studies are typically scheduled with a pediatric anesthesiologist, who uses medication to allow the child to sleep through the study.