• Subcostal transverse view of visceral situs
    • Normal position of the liver, IVC and aorta within the abdomen
      • The liver is positioned in normal position to the right of the spine
      • The aorta is positioned in normal position to the left of the spine
      • The IVC and hepatic veins are positioned in cross section to the right of the spine
      • Stomach and spleen can also be assessed from this view, although not optimally imaged in this clip

This transverse view obtained from the subcostal imaging plane is a good view to profile visceral situs (aorta, IVC, stomach, spleen). The liver is positioned normally to the right of the spine. The aorta is normally positioned to the left of the spine. The IVC and hepatic veins are positioned in cross section to the right of the spine. The stomach and spleen can also sometimes be seen and are normally located to the left of the spine. 

  • Transducer located in the abdomen just below xyphoid process
  • Notch at 3 o'clock
  • Transducer in neutral position
  • Interrupted inferior vena cava 
  • Abnormalities of abdominal visceral situs
  • Pleural effusions