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The physical limitation of echocardiography

                             The physical limitations of echocardiography are due to the physical properties
of ultrasonic waves, the resolution of the echocardiogram and the aliasing
phenomenon. Familiarity with these factors will make it easier to master the
technique of diagnostic ultrasound.

 Ultrasonic waves emitted by piezoelectric crystals propagate at a constant
speed in the myocardium and the blood (1540 m/s). By comparison, this
propagation speed is far higher in bone (3380 m/s) and lower in air (354 m/s).
As these two media are high absorbers of ultrasound, they are very poor conductors.
Examinations are therefore often difficult in obese patients, or patients
with emphysema, thoracic deformations or narrow intercostal spaces.
The

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