What is a common diagnostic tool used to evaluate congenital heart disease in children?

An echocardiogram is a common diagnostic tool used to evaluate congenital heart disease in children due to its ability to provide real-time images of the heart's structure and function. This ultrasound-based technique allows healthcare providers to visualize the heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow patterns, which is crucial for diagnosing various types of congenital heart defects.

Echocardiograms are particularly beneficial in pediatrics because they are non-invasive, do not involve radiation, and can be performed at the bedside in many clinical settings. The detailed images generated can help in assessing the severity of heart defects, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring the heart's function over time.

Other diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, CT scans, and electrocardiograms, do have their respective uses in cardiology; however, they are generally not as effective as echocardiograms for the specific purpose of diagnosing congenital heart disease in children. X-rays can show heart size and pulmonary blood flow but provide limited information about anatomical details. CT scans involve radiation exposure, which is a consideration in pediatric patients, and while they can be used for specific scenarios, they are not the first-line tool for congenital diagnosis. Electrocardiograms primarily assess the heart's electrical activity and rhythm but