Pediatric echocardiography, also known as a pediatric echo, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses ultrasound to create images of a child's heart. It is similar to an adult echocardiogram, but it is tailored to the smaller size and unique anatomy of a child's heart.
During a pediatric echo, a specially trained technician or doctor applies a gel to the child's chest and places a transducer on the skin. The transducer sends and receives sound waves, which create an image of the heart on a computer screen.
Pediatric echocardiography can be used to diagnose a range of heart conditions in children, including congenital heart defects, heart valve problems, and heart muscle abnormalities. It can also be used to evaluate the size and function of the heart, the thickness of the heart walls, and the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat.
Pediatric echocardiography is a safe and painless procedure that does not involve any radiation. It is commonly used in routine cardiac evaluations of children with suspected heart conditions, and can be repeated periodically to monitor changes in a child's heart function over time. Early detection and treatment of heart conditions can prevent serious complications and improve a child's overall health and quality of life.
