This videotape extends this series on the morphologic basis of cross-sectional echocardiography. This time, Professor Robert Anderson and Dr Stephen Brecker explore the very basics of the cardiac examination in the adult. Starting with a consideration of the location of the heart within the chest, and then the position of the various structures within the heart, they show how these inter-relationships condition the echocardiographic examination. They demonstrate the limited windows of access through which the echocardiographer can image the heart, using sectioned autopsied specimens to reveal the underlying anatomy as seen from the various windows. They then demonstrate how the echocardiographic images themselves are obtained, showing the location of the transducer and the way it is manipulated. The morphological introductions, and all the autopsy specimens, are demonstrated and discussed by Professor Anderson. The echocardiographic correlates, obtained by full examination of normal volunteers, are then revealed by Dr Brecker. Both are well recognised and acknowledged experts in these fields.

Readership: Medical students, doctors and cardiologists.