Which tomographic plane of the heart displays all walls of the left ventricle?

The short axis tomographic plane is ideal for visualizing all walls of the left ventricle. In this orientation, slices are taken at different levels and allow for a comprehensive view of the myocardial structure. This view facilitates the assessment of wall motion and thickness by displaying cross-sections that encompass the anterior, lateral, inferior, and septal walls of the ventricle.

This extensive visualization is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions, as it allows practitioners to evaluate regional function of the left ventricle effectively. The short axis view is particularly beneficial in applications such as stress testing and myocardial perfusion imaging, where an assessment of the left ventricular walls is critical for identifying abnormalities or areas of ischemia.

Other tomographic planes like the horizontal long axis or vertical long axis primarily display the ventricle from the sides or in a more longitudinal manner, which might not encompass all walls effectively in one view. The transaxial view, while often associated with imaging in a horizontal manner, does not specifically lend itself to the same comprehensive view of the left ventricular walls as the short axis does.