What is echocardiography for children?

Echocardiography is an imaging test. It uses sound waves to make detailed pictures of the heart.

The test can be done in the following ways:

• Transthoracic echo (TTE). This method uses a handheld wand called a transducer. The healthcare provider moves it across the chest over the area where the heart is. The transducer sends and receives sound waves that are changed into images.

• Transesophageal echo (TEE). The test is done by passing a transducer down through the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube leading from the throat to the stomach. Because the esophagus sits right behind the heart, TEE provides better imaging detail for some structures than the transthoracic echo.

• Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). This type of echocardiography is done with probes as part of a cardiac catheterization.

Most echocardiography is 2-D. Two views of the heart are used to create the images. Other types include:

• Doppler. This shows blood flow through the heart.

• Color Doppler. This shows color images to better see blood flow.

• 3-D. This gives three views of the heart.

• Stress echocardiography. This shows what the heart does under stress from medicine or exercise.

Why might my child need echocardiography?

Echocardiography is an important imaging test for heart problems in infants and children. It may help diagnose problems your child was born with (congenital). Or it may help diagnose a problem that has developed (acquired). Below are reasons for having echocardiography.

What are the risks of echocardiography for a child?

TTE does not have any risks. If your child needs relaxation medicine (sedation), there may be a small risk for problems linked to that. If medicine is used for a stress echo, there is a risk of cardiac arrhythmias. If your child is having a TEE, there is a risk for esophageal perforation and bleeding. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about any concerns you may have.

How do I get my child ready for echocardiography?

• Your child won’t need to do anything special before an echocardiogram.

• If your child is old enough to understand, explain that they will have to lie still to have pictures taken.

• Your child may have medicine to go to sleep for a transesophageal echo. It’s sometimes needed for transthoracic echo, especially for younger children.

• Make sure your child knows that the procedure doesn’t cause pain.

• Most of the time, you can stay with your child during the exam.

• Your child may also be able to hold a toy or watch TV or a movie during the exam.

• For any special instructions, talk with your child’s healthcare provider or the facility.

What happens during echocardiography for a child?

The echo may be done in a cardiologist’s office, at a hospital, or at an imaging facility. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes for a transthoracic echo. A specially trained technician (cardiac sonographer) usually does the test. The steps are:

• Your child will lie down on an exam table in a room with the lights dimmed.

• The technician will put gel on your child's chest to help the transducer move.

• The technician will put the transducer on the chest and move it around to get the heart images. Your child will feel slight pressure of the probe as it’s moved around the chest.

• The images display on a computer screen.

Your child will need sedation if they are having a transesophageal echo. For this test, the transducer is passed into your child’s mouth, throat, and esophagus. A bite protector will be placed in your child's mouth. Vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, will be monitored. Once your child is sedated enough, the TEE probe will be inserted into the esophagus. This test lasts about 15 minutes.

What happens after echocardiography for a child?

Once the test is done, the technician wipes the gel from the chest. If your child had sedation, they are watched until awake. A pediatric cardiologist reviews the images at some point after the exam. Depending on the results of the echo, your child may need other tests or procedures. Some children have a sore throat for a day or two after a TEE procedure.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure for your child, make sure you know:

• The name of the test or procedure

• The reason your child is having the test or procedure

• What results to expect and what they mean

• The risks and benefits of the test or procedure

• When and where your child is to have the test or procedure

• Who will do the procedure and what that person’s qualifications are

• What would happen if your child did not have the test or procedure

• Any alternative tests or procedures to think about

• When and how you will get the results

• Who to call after the test or procedure if you have questions or your child has problems

• How much you will have to pay for the test or procedure