Which Tricuspid Valve leaflets are visible in the PLAX view?

In the parasternal long-axis (PLAX) view of the heart, the visibility of the tricuspid valve leaflets is critical for accurate assessment during an echocardiographic examination. In this view, the anterior and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve are well visualized.

The anterior leaflet, also known as the right atrioventricular leaflet, is the most prominent and typically faces the right ventricle. The posterior leaflet, meanwhile, is located adjacent to it and completes the tricuspid valve's structure. The septal leaflet, located more towards the interventricular septum, is not typically visualized in the PLAX view due to the angle of the ultrasound beam.

The visibility of the anterior and posterior leaflets in this view allows for a comprehensive assessment of tricuspid valve function, including evaluating for any signs of regurgitation or structural abnormalities. Understanding which leaflets are visible helps practitioners effectively interpret echocardiographic images and assess cardiac function accurately.