Bidirectional flow in congenital ventricular septal defect: a Doppler echocardiographic study

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the value of combined two-dimensional and pulsed Doppler echocardiography (echo) in localizing and recording bidirectional flow in congenital ventricular septal defect. Eight children, aged 8 months to 16 years, with clinical signs of a ventricular septal defect, underwent two-dimensional and pulsed Doppler echo study prior to cardiac catheterization. The ventricular septal defect was documented anatomically by two-dimensional echo in all eight patients. Flow patterns in systole and diastole through the ventricular septal defect and on both sides of the defect were carefully studied. In all eight children, systolic, high velocity, pathologic, left to right flow was documented when the sampling volume was positioned on the right ventricular side of the defect. When the sampling volume was positioned inside the defect, to and fro flow, left to right in systole and right to left in diastole, was observed. In children with moderate to large defects, the diastolic flow had a peak in early diastole. Increased pressure in the right ventricle over the left ventricle during the same period was demonstrated by cardiac catheterization and coincided with the Doppler flow. The direction of flow across the defect was affected by the size of the defect and the magnitude of the net shunt. Two-dimensional and pulsed echo Doppler were shown to be useful in demonstrating the ventricular septal defect and estimating its size and hemodynamic significance noninvasively.     

室间隔缺损并发畸形的发生率和超声心动图检测的漏诊分析

目的 :探讨室间隔缺损并发畸形的发生率及超声心动图漏检并发畸形的原因。方法 :对 379例非复杂性先心病室缺并发畸形的超声心动图检测结果与手术所见进行比较。结果 :较常见的非复杂性先心病室缺并发畸形的发生率为 36.0 % ,为卵圆形未闭、房缺、动脉导管未闭、右室流出道狭窄、右室双腔心及肺动脉瓣狭窄。超声心动图比较容易漏诊的室缺并发畸形为卵圆孔未闭、右室流出道狭窄及一些少见并发畸形。结论 :彩色多普勒超声心动图对室缺并发畸形具有一定的漏诊率 ,注意全面扫查及改进探查技巧有助于提高室缺并发畸形的检出     

A Case Report of Double‐Chambered Right Ventricle Associated with Subaterial Ventricular Septal Defect and Rupture of Right Coronary Sinus Aneurysm

Double‐chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a rare congenital heart disease in which the right ventricle (RV) is divided into two chambers by anomalous muscle bundles. Here, we report a case of DCRV associated with subarterial ventricular septal defect (VSD) and rupture of right coronary sinus aneurysm (RCSA); the patient was diagnosed by echocardiography and later confirmed by surgical operation.     

实时三维超声测量右心室容积及收缩功能的可行性研究

目的分析实时三维超声心动图（RT-3DE）定量测量右心室容积和右心室射血分数（right ventricularejection fraction,RVEF）的可行性,及其与二维超声心动图（TDE）所测量的右心室容积、RVEF、右心室面积及右心室面积变化分数（right ventricular fractional area change,RVFAC）的相关性。方法通过实时三维超声心动图对85例行二尖瓣和（或）主动脉瓣置换术的风湿性心脏病患者采集其右心室全容积图像,同时用二维超声心动图测量右心室相关数值。将超声心动图图像导入Tomtec 4D Cardio View工作站,手动调节图像并描记心内膜边界后,软件分析自动得到右心室舒张末期容积（right ventricular end-diastolic volume,RVEDV）、右心室收缩末期容积（right ventricular end-systolic volume,RVESV）、RVEF;手动计算右心室搏出容量（right ventricular strokevolume,RVSV）。对实时三维超声心动图测值与二维超声测值进行相关分析。结果实时三维超声心动图测得的RVEDV、RVESV、RVSV较二维超声心动图测值大,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;两者测得的RVEF比较,差异无统计学意义（P=0.51）。两种方法所测RVEDV、RVESV、RVSV及RVEF相关性良好（r=0.79、0.82、0.68、0.64,P〈0.05）;实时三维超声心动图所测RVEDV、RVESV与二维超声心动图所测右心室舒张末期面积、右心室收缩末期面积相关性良好（r=0.76、0.79,P〈0.05）。实时三维超声心动图所测RVEF与二维超声心动图所测RVFAC也有较好的相关性（r=0.56,P〈0.05）。结论实时三维超声心动图测量右心室容积、RVEF是可行的,与二维超声心动图测值间有良好的相关性;实时三维超声心动图能够更好的评价右心室收缩功能。     

Unruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm with Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction and Ventricular Septal Defect—A Rare Combination

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies that may be acquired or congenital. We describe the case of a patient who had an unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm causing right ventricular outflow obstruction, with an associated subaortic ventricular septal defect. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms rarely present until rupture occurs. However, the unruptured aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva caused significant right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, resulting in exertional dyspnea. Intraoperative multiplane transesophageal echocardiography and color Doppler helped in precise identification of structural anomalies, shunt location, and definitive surgical repair.     

Interventricular Septal Hematoma after Congenital Cardiac Defects Repair at a Single Institution

Background: Interventricular septal hematoma is a rare complication after congenital cardiac repair. The management varies according to the literature. We present our experience with this rare complication. Methods: Echocardiography database were reviewed with the term ‘‘hematoma’’ or “hypoechoic mass” for patients who underwent congenital heart surgery from January 2018 to December 2021 at our institution to identify potential interventricular septal hematoma cases. Relevant data of the patients identified were collected. Focus was put on the presentation, management, outcomes according to patent medical charts and serial echocardiographic report data. Results: In total, there were 5 patients included. The mean age and weight at surgery were 5.5 ± 3.6 months and 5.5 ± 1.4 kg, respectively. Four patients were diagnosed with ventricular septal defect and the other one being double outlet of the right ventricle. While all patients had intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, 80% (4 of 5) of Interventricular septal hematoma were revealed intraoperatively. Only one patient received hematoma drainage intraoperatively while the other 3 identified in the operating room were only closely observed. One after ventricular septal defect repair presented continuous dysfunction of the left ventricle at the last follow-up, while the others were doing well. All hematomas resolved completely with a mean time to interventricular septal hematoma resolution of 35.8 ± 16.9 days. Conclusion: Infants seem to be at a higher risk for Interventricular septal hematoma following congenital heart surgery. While the majority of interventricular septal hematoma has a benign postoperative course, some may result in ventricular dysfunction. Management strategies may be chosen on a case-by-case basis.     

Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular septal defects in adults

Ventricular septal defects account for 10% to 15% of all congenital heart defects observed in adults. The type of defects observed tend to fall at the extreme ends of the spectrum: small restrictive defects with minimal shunts, and large nonrestrictive defects associated with severe occlusive pulmonary vascular disease. Doppler echocardiography has evolved into a powerful diagnostic modality that comprehensively evaluates the anatomical and pathophysiological consequences of a ventricular septal defect. The spectrum of findings caused by ventricular septal defects is the subject of this review.     

Anomalous right coronary artery from the main pulmonary artery in a patient with double-chambered right ventricle

We describe a rare case of double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) in a 32-year-old female presenting to the echocardiography lab for evaluation of congenital heart disease. We identified a unique constellation of findings, including the DCRV, a perimembranous ventricular septal defect, aortic valve prolapse, patent foramen ovale, and an anomalous right coronary artery coming off the main pulmonary artery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case describing the association of an anomalous right coronary artery coming off the main pulmonary artery in a patient with DCRV.     

中老年心房间隔缺损患者经导管封堵术后心功能变化

目的　探讨 40岁以上心房间隔缺损患者用导管封堵术治疗后的心功能变化。方法　采用封堵术治疗 2 1例40岁以上心房间隔缺损患者 ,并于术后 6个月进行随访 ,观察心脏彩超和心电图所得结果与术前比较。结果　心房间隔缺损封堵术后 6个月 ,心脏彩色多谱勒超声提示心脏收缩末期右房最大容积和右室舒张末期容积显著降低 ;左室舒张末期容积、射血分数和左室短轴缩短率显著提高 ;心电图提示PR间期和QRS宽度明显缩短。结论　40岁以上心房间隔缺损患者行心房间隔封堵术能够降低右心室的容量负荷 ,提高左心室的收缩功能 ,改善心房和心室的电传导     

Occurrence and pattern of congenital heart diseases in a rural area of sub-Saharan Africa

Summary

The extent of congenital heart disease in Cameroon remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and pattern of congenital heart diseases in the Cardiac Centre of St Elizabeth Catholic General Hospital, situated in a rural area of Cameroon.

Methods

Between November 2002 and November 2008, a population of 2 123 patients with suspected cardiac pathologies were consulted at St Elizabeth Catholic General Hospital referral cardiac centre. Of these patients, 292 subjects were recruited for the study, based on detection of (1) precordial murmurs and/or cardiomegaly on chest X-ray examination, or (2) congenital heart diseases on transthoracic Doppler echocardiography examination.

Results

Congenital heart diseases and inorganic murmurs were found in 95.5 and 4.5% of the patients, respectively. Congenital heart diseases included tetralogy of Fallot (26.1%), isolated ventricular septal defect (38.8%), atrioventricular cushion defect (7.3%), isolated atrial septal defect (2.8%), arterial duct cases (12.4%), common arterial trunk (1.3%), isolated stenosis of the pulmonary artery (2.6%), coarctation of the aorta (1.1%), congenital mitral valve regurgitation (1.2%), atresia of the triscupid valve (1.6%), double-outlet right ventricle (2.1%), anomalous pulmonary venous return (1.5%) and left isomerism (1.2%).

Conclusion

Our data show that there is a high occurrence of congenital heart disease in this hospital in a rural zone of sub-Saharan Africa and that isolated ventricular septal defect is the predominant pathology. Post-surgical follow up remains very challenging as many parents cannot afford their children’s medical treatment or are generally not well educated.     

Echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular septal defects

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are the most common forms of acyanotic congenital heart disease accounting for 37% of congenital heart disease in children. A VSD is defined by parts of the ventricular septum involved. There are four major types of VSDs: perimembranous, muscular, outlet, and inlet VSDs. Echocardiography is the most important clinical tool to help diagnose and characterize a VSD. Although most VSDs are clinically nonsignificant or close on their own, echocardiography with Doppler and color flow mapping can be used to provide accurate anatomic and hemodynamic evaluation of VSDs in order to determine if surgical or transcatheter-based intervention is needed. Hence, understanding how to use echocardiography to characterize VSDs is of crucial importance when caring for patients with adult congenital heart disease.     

Ventricular Septal Defect Masquerading as Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D) is a useful technique for noninvasive evaluation cardiac structure, function, and hemodynamics; however, multiple factors may limit the technical adequacy of the 2-D examination. In this article, we present the case of a ventricular septal defect to right atrial shunt, which was misinterpreted as severe tricuspid regurgitation secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension, despite the absence of right ventricular enlargement or hypertrophy. A transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination was performed to explain the discrepancy between the 2-D and Doppler findings, the results of which are discussed, along with a review of the literature.     

Recognition of residual ventricular septal defect by intraoperative contrast echocardiography

Intraoperative two-dimensional contrast echocardiography wasused to detect a residual shunt in 50 patients after surgicalrepair of ventricular septal defect. Contrast injections wereperformed following termination of the extracorporeal circulation.In the presence of a shunt the intensity of opacification ofboth left and right ventricular cavities was compared. In 40patients no ventricular shunting was observed; insignificantshunting was noted in five patients. Follow-up of these 45 patientsproved uneventful. Significant opacification of the right ventricle was noted infive patients. This finding, however, does not necessarily indicatea residual shunt of significant volume. In two patients theresidual shunt was confirmed postoperatively by pulsed Dopplerechocardiography but clinically there was no need for surgery.Three other patients subsequently required reoperation and partialpatch dehiscence was confirmed in all. Thus, intraoperativetwo-dimensional contrast echocardiography is a sensitive techniqueto detect a residual ventricular septal defect, an observationwhich may warrant reoperation before chest closure.     

Transesophageal two- and three-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of combined left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and ventricular septal rupture

Two- (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were useful in making the diagnosis of combined left ventricular pseudoaneurysm and ventricular septal rupture in an elderly patient presenting with mediastinitis and worsening heart failure following coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The diagnosis was not suspected clinically. Three-dimensional TEE served to increase the confidence level with which the diagnosis of this combined lesion was made. Additionally, 3-D TEE proved superior to 2-D TEE in assessing the size of the left ventricular rupture site.     

Mitral Atresia with Hypoplastic Left Ventricle and Multiple Shunt Lesions

Mitral atresia is a rare congenital heart defect when compared to atresia of other valves and it is often associated with other cardiac malformation such as patent ductus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary stenosis, shunt defects, cor triatriatum, chamber, and valvular anomalies. There have been few reports of mitral atresia, therefore, the case of a 5-month-old male child with complaint of difficulty with breathing and echocardiographic diagnosis of atretic mitral valves, atrial septal defect of 15 mms, ventricular septal defect (VSD) of 10 mms and hypoplastic left ventricle is reported.     

彩色多普勒超声心动图对室间隔缺损并发畸形的诊断价值

目的 :探讨超声心动图检测室间隔缺损 （室缺 ）并发畸形的价值。方法 :将手术证实的室缺并发畸形与超声检查进行比较 ,分析超声检测敏感度、特异度及准确度。结果 :超声心动图检出室缺并发畸形的敏感度为 5 8.8% ,特异度 92 .9% ;准确度 80 .6 %。结论 :室缺并发卵圆孔未闭及并发右室流出道较易漏诊 ,其他一些少见并发畸形多因主观忽视而漏诊。注意全面扫查及改善检查技巧有助于提高室缺并发畸形的检出和减少误诊。     

Drainage of the inferior vena cava to the left atrium

Drainage of the inferior vena cava to the left atrium is an extremely unusual congenital heart disease. We describe a 54-year-old woman, in whom the diagnosis was suggested by transthoracic echocardiography, and then confirmed by a transesophageal exam and magnetic resonance imaging, which also revealed an associated secundum atrial septal defect. Surgical management involved reconstruction of the interatrial septum to include the inferior vena cava in the right atrium. The few previously reported cases in the literature are reviewed.     

Echocardiographic assessment of adults with tetralogy of Fallot

Advances in medical and surgical management of congenital heart disease in the last three decades have resulted in a great many survivors to adulthood. Proper care requires intimate knowledge of the basic malformations and their surgical anatomy and results. Tetralogy of Fallot, the most common cyanotic malformation in adults, represents a spectrum from mild right ventricular outflow tract obstruction to complete pulmonary atresia. Evaluation of surgical residua and sequelae includes imaging of aortic-to-pulmonary arterial palliative shunts, detection of residual ventricular septal defect patch leaks or right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, definition of extracardiac conduit patency, and quantitation of ventricular function and valvular regurgitation. Refined echocardiographic imaging and hemodynamic definition is a mainstay in precise segmental anatomical and hemodynamic assessment. Transesophageal echocardiography is particularly important for intraoperative evaluation of surgical results.     

Double‐Chambered Right Ventricle with Ventricular Septal Defect and Subaortic Membrane— Three‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Evaluation

Double‐chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a rare congenital anomaly in which the right ventricle is divided into two compartments with varying pressures due to an anomalous muscle bundle. Here, we describe a case of an adolescent male with DCRV with associated ventricular septal defect and subaortic membrane. Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with color flow clearly outlined all the three cardiac anomalies as well as their relationship with each other. The diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac catheterization. The patient underwent successful surgical resection of the anomalous muscle bundle along with repair of the associated anomalies.     

Live three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic delineation of ventricular septal rupture following myocardial infarction

We present an elderly patient with ventricular septal rupture following myocardial infarction in whom live three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography allowed comprehensive noninvasive assessment of the location, shape, and size of the septal defect, which could be clearly visualized en face from both left and right ventricular aspects.