Final answer:
TTE is done for suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension to evaluate the right ventricle, estimate pulmonary artery pressures, and detect underlying causes such as congenital heart defects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a non-invasive imaging procedure that is commonly used to evaluate suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). TTE provides valuable insights into heart function and the anatomy of heart structures. In the context of PAH, TTE can help assess the size and function of the right ventricle, which may be strained or enlarged due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Additionally, TTE can estimate pulmonary artery pressures and detect potential underlying causes such as left heart disease or congenital heart defects like a patent ductus arteriosus. This diagnostic tool plays a crucial role in the early detection, management, and monitoring of treatment effectiveness in patients with PAH.