The cardiac chambers are marked in this CAT-scan image :
RA = right atrium … notice that the RA is engorged with blood (moreso than the RV or the LV).
RV = right ventricle … notice that the RV is thin wall of muscle and is overfilled.
LV = left ventricle … notice that the cross section of the LV is a thick wall of muscle.
The normal capacity of the LV or RV should be 100mls.
The LV is thick because it has to generate high pressures : 120 / 80 mmHg.
The RV is thin walled because it only has to generate a pressure of : 25 / 15 mmHg.
TEE (TransEsophageal Echocardiography) is the test of choice for a fast evaluation of cardiac chamber
volumes and efficacy of functionality.
CAT scans are great by are time-intensive, labor intensive and costly and with moderate risk.
TEE is fast becoming the tool of choice at bedside in the CTICUs and the ORs.