Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic demonstration of anatomical defects in AV septal defect patients presenting for reoperation

We present two- and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic findings of two adult patients who presented for reoperation after previous repair of a partial atrioventricular (AV) septal defect. Both patients had a cleft in the left AV valve with severe regurgitation. One patient had an additional 10 x 5 mm defect connecting the left ventricle to the right atrium through the AV junction. Three-dimensional echocardiography was superior to two-dimensional echocardiography in comprehensively delineating the anatomical defects in the left AV valve and the AV junction.     

Visualization of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Using Transthoracic Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in Children

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of quantitative measurements of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) with dynamic transthoracic three-dimensional (3–D) echocardiography. Methods: Twenty-six patients (age, 13 months to 14 years; mean age, 37 months) with secundum ASDs underwent 3-D echocardiographic imaging generated from transthoracic echocardiographic interrogation before surgery. Four specific cut planes were defined: four-chamber view, transverse view, en face view from right and left atrial side. The images obtained from 16 patients clearly demonstrated all four defined cut planes for the quantitative measurement. Results: The defect sizing determined by the 3-D images correlated well with surgical findings. These images may be interactively manipulated to optimize visualization of the defect to allow the cardiologist to perform transcatheter occlusion. A significant correlation was demonstrated to the limbic band tissue assessment by four-chamber and transverse views. Unusual atrial structures such as muscle bands and the fore-shortening of the en face view might induce biased measurements. Conclusions: The transthoracic approach was successful in capturing sufficient data to create 3-D images, which can provide an accurate assessment of secundum ASD. The possibility of underestimation should always be taken into account with the en face view. Multiple cut planes were essential to ensure correct sizing for adequate selection of the occluder.     

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography is useful in the evaluation of patients with atrioventricular septal defects

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is useful in the evaluation of patients with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). BACKGROUND: Recent advances in 3DE have enhanced its practicality. We assessed whether 3DE provided new information compared to 2DE among patients with AVSD. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 52 3DE datasets from 51 patients (median age: 4.6 years, range 0-30 years; median BSA: 0.6 m2, range 0.2-1.9 m2) with any type of AVSD during a 1-year period. 3DE findings were compared to 2DE and surgical reports. For each study, AVSD was classified by 2DE as one of the following: unrepaired balanced defect, repaired balanced defect with residual lesions, repaired balanced defect without residual lesions, or unbalanced defect. 3DE was graded as (1) Additive: 3DE resulted in a new finding or changed diagnosis; (2) Useful: While useful, 3DE did not result in new findings or changed diagnosis; or (3) Not useful. RESULTS: 3DE on unrepaired balanced AVSD and repaired AVSD with residual lesions was more often additive/useful (33/36; 92%) than on repaired AVSD without residual lesions or unbalanced AVSD (9/16 (56%), P=0.009). 3DE was additive or useful in all three patients with unbalanced AVSD being considered for biventricular repair. Useful information obtained by 3DE included: precise characterization of mitral regurgitation and cleft leaflet, substrate for subaortic stenosis, valve anatomy, and presence and location of additional septal defects. CONCLUSION: 3DE provides useful and additive information in unrepaired balanced AVSD, repaired AVSD with residual lesions, and unbalanced AVSD under consideration for biventricular repair.     

Definitive diagnosis of cor triatriatum with common atrium by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in an adult

We describe an adult patient, in whom three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was able to make a definitive diagnosis of cor triatriatum associated with common atrium. The lesion mimicked a classical partial atrio-ventricular septal defect on both transthoracic and transesophageal two-dimensional echocardiography. We found only two cases in the literature describing the existence of cor triatriatum with common atrium, none diagnosed by echocardiography.     

Diagnostic value of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography for preoperative assessment of sinus venosus atrial septal defect

Background Sinus venosus atrial septal defect（SVASD） is a rare atrial septal defect. The right-sided pulmonary veins may drain into the right atrium directly or via vena cava. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography（2D-TTE） is certainly the initial choice of evaluation of SVASD but is unable to show its spatial relation to the surrounding structures and the configuration of the veins accurately. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography（RT3D-TEE） for detecting SVASD and partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection（PAPVC）. Methods2D-TTE and RT3D-TEE were performed in 25 patients with the SVASD before surgical repair. Records of these patients were compared with surgical assessments. Results Twenty-three of the 25 patients with SVASD were detected by 2D-TTE. All the 23 patents were associated with PAPVC. Two of the 25 patients with SVASD were misdiagnosed as the secundum atrial septal defect by 2D-TTE. SVASD was demonstrated in all the 25 cases by RT3D-TEE, and 25 patents were associated with PAPVC. Conclusions RT3D-TEE is highly accurate, scientific method for displaying the location, size, shape of the defect and its spatial relation to the surrounding structures, and provides additional value to the surgeon and physicians for better understanding of spatial intracardiac morphology and making more accurate diagnosis and treatment.     

Live three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic assessment of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale

We report the usefulness of live three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the accurate assessment of the morphology and efficacy of Amplatzer transcatheter devices used for closure of atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale.     

常用超声介导房间隔缺损封堵方法的优缺点比较

房间隔缺损是一种常见的先天性心脏病,经皮房间隔缺损封堵术是全世界首选的微创外科修补治疗方法.超声介导是经皮房间隔缺损封堵术中最重要的技术环节.目前,经食道超声心动图是最常用的超声介导方法,另外,经胸超声心动图以及心腔内超声也在运用.现试从经胸超声心动图、经食道超声心动图及心腔内超声的影像学特点、检查安全性,及并发症、检查费用等方面对上述三种方法进行比较.     

Echocardiographic guidance during placement of the buttoned double-disk device for atrial septal defect closure

The usefulness of two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography during buttoned double-disk device closure of an atrial septal defect was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients at the time of interventional catheterization. Transesophageal echocardiography was used in 11 patients (ages 5 to 62 years, weights 20 to 91 kg). Because of the size of the available transesophageal echo probe, transthoracic echocardiography was used in the remaining 9 patients (ages 4 to 5.5 years, weights 14 to 21 kg). In the transesophageal echo group, 1 patient was found to have no atrial septal defect despite a previous diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography, 3 patients had atrial septal defects too large for closure despite attempts in 2, and 7 patients had transesophageal echo guided device placement. All of these 7 patients had small residual shunts by color Doppler, 2 had unusual arm positions, and 2 had surgical removal of the device due to embolization to the pulmonary artery in 1 and failure to obtain close approximation of the occluder and counteroccluder in 1. In the transthoracic echo group, 2 patients had atrial septal defects too large for closure, 1 patient had no femoral venous access, and 6 patients had transthoracic echo guided device placement. All of these 6 patients had small residual shunts by color Doppler and 3 of the 6 had unusual arm positions. For atrial septal defect sizing, transesophageal echo measurements correlated with catheter balloon size more closely than did transthoracic echo measurements (r 2 = 0.97 vs 0.86).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Stenotic double-orifice mitral valve after surgical repaired partial atrioventricular septal defect

Double-orifice mitral valve (DOMV) is an uncommon congenital anomaly account for 1% of congenital heart disease. However, accurate diagnosis and evaluation of valve stenosis or regurgitation and other concomitant congenital anomalies due to DOMV are required to obtain suitable treatment. Two- and three-dimensional echocardiography can contribute valuable functional and anatomic information that can support to reach this goal. Here, we present a case of complete bridge-type DOMV that causes mitral stenosis after surgical repair of the partial atrioventricular septal defect in childhood.     

Usefulness of Live/Real Time Three-Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in Diagnosing Acquired Left Ventricular-Right Atrial Communication Misdiagnosed as Severe Pulmonary Hypertension by Two-Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography

We describe an adult patient with an acquired left ventricular-right atrial communication that was misdiagnosed as severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) by two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography, but accurately detected on three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography. Open heart surgery confirmed the defect .     

Ventricular septal rupture and mitral regurgitation caused by trauma

We present a young patient with traumatic septal rupture following traffic accident in whom transthoracic echocardiography allowed comprehensive noninvasive assessment of location and size of the septal defect and structure atrioventricular valve apparatus.     

Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Evaluation of a Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect

We present a case of a 65‐year‐old man who presented with atrial flutter and dilation of right heart was noted on transthoracic echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large sinus venosus atrial septal defect close to superior vena cava and anomalous connection of right superior pulmonary vein. Additionally, real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography provided superior spatial details and demonstrated the size, location of the defect and its spatial relationship to the surrounding structures. Patient underwent successful surgical repair. (Echocardiography 2011;28:E82‐E84)     

Usefulness of live/real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of atrioventricular septal defects

We studied nine patients (five newborns and infants, two children, and two adults) with atrioventricular septal defects (four complete, one intermediate, and four partial) utilizing live/real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) and a 4-MHz matrix array transducer. In all patients, 3DTTE provided additional morphological and/or functional information as compared to standard two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE). 3DTTE may be a useful supplement to 2DTTE in the assessment of atrioventricular septal defects.     

Depicting of a Cleft Mitral Valve by Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography

We report the usefulness of real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in comprehensive delineation of cleft mitral valve. This new technique may be a useful supplement to two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of this pathology. (Echocardiography 2010;27:356‐358)     

Added value of three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in assessment of an adult patient with atrioventricular septal defect

Transthoracic echocardiography is the principal imaging modality for assessment of patients with atrioventricular septal defects. Three‐dimensional echocardiography streamlines and simplifies data acquisition offering a unique realistic en‐face display of heart valves and septal defects and enables accurate evaluation of the cardiac anatomy, dynamic, and function. We demonstrated an added value of three‐dimensional echocardiography in assessment of an adult patient with atrioventricular septal defect and its advantages over conventional echocardiography.     

Influence of atrial septal defect anatomy in patient selection and assessment of closure with the Cardioseal device; a three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiographic reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The maximal diameter of the defect and the dimensions of the septal rims are essential parameters for the selection of optimal cases for device closure. Neither two-dimensional echocardiography nor balloon catheter sizing provide optimal data. Unique three-dimensional echocardiography might help to improve patient selection and assessment of results. Our aim was to optimize transcatheter closure of secundum type atrial septal defects using three-dimensional echocardiography. METHODS: Sixteen patients enrolled in a protocol for atrial septal defect transcatheter closure with the Cardioseal device underwent transoesophageal two- and three-dimensional echocardiography. Maximal diameter and tissue rim of the atrial septal defect were measured and compared by both methods. In the 12 patients selected for closure, the balloon stretched diameter was compared to three-dimensional echocardiography measurements. Device placement was assessed by two- and three-dimensional echocardiography. RESULTS: The shape of the atrial septal defect appeared variable on three-dimensional views: round in nine patients but complex (oval, raquet-shaped, multiple) in seven patients. The surface area of the atrial septal defect varied by 68+/-15% during the cardiac cycle. The correlation between atrial septal defect maximal diameters measured by two-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography and three-dimensional echocardiography was better in round defects (y=1 x +1.6, r=0.99) than in complex defects (y=0.7 x -0.5, r=0.88). The antero-superior rim could only be properly assessed by three-dimensional echocardiography. In 12 patients the correlation between stretched diameter and three-dimensional echocardiography maximal diameter was poor (y=0.3 x +13, r=0.41). After placement of the device, three-dimensional echocardiography enabled the mechanism of residual shunting to be understood in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic three-dimensional echocardiography enhances the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of atrial septal defect and should be an important process in future initiatives for device closures.     

Dynamic morphology of the secundum atrial septal defect evaluated by three dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography

OBJECTIVE—To define by three dimensional echocardiography the pattern and potential determinants of contraction of a secundum atrial septal defect through the cardiac cycle, and to evaluate the possibility of using cross sectional transthoracic and transoesophageal imaging to assess the dynamic nature of the defect.
DESIGN—Three dimensional echocardiography was performed using a multiplane transoesophageal probe on 50 patients with a secundum atrial septal defect (median age 9.8 years). Nine patients were excluded because of poor images or morphological features that precluded defect measurement. In 41 cases, defect area, long and short axis length, and distance of the attenuated anterior rim were measured in their largest and smallest dimensions.
RESULTS—Defect area changed significantly through the cardiac cycle (mean change 61%, p < 0.0001; range 17% to 86%). The defect contracted symmetrically and was not related to patient age, defect size, heart rate, Qp/Qs ratio, the presence of an aneurysmal atrial septum, or attenuated anterior rim. In all cases with an attenuated anterior rim (n = 13), the length of the rim significantly decreased (p = 0.001) during atrial systole. Dynamic changes measured by either transthoracic or transoesophageal cross sectional images did not correlate with those obtained by three dimensional imaging.
CONCLUSIONS—Three dimensional echocardiography shows dynamic features of defects in the atrial septum. This information may lead to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial shunting.


Keywords: echocardiography; atrial septal defect; congenital heart disease     

Left Ventricular to Right Atrial Septal Defect Secondary to Blunt Thoracic Trauma Diagnosed by Transesophageal Echocardiography

A case report is presented of a 58-year-old man who developed a new holosystolic murmur 4 months after a high-speed motor vehicle accident. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated a left-to-right shunt at the right atrial level. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) identified and localized a discrete atrioventricular septal defect associated with a shunt from the left ventricle to the right atrium without tricuspid regurgitation, findings that were confirmed after surgical exploration. TEE is recommended for patients with a heart murmur and a history of blunt cardiac trauma, may permit early diagnosis, and may allow surgical repair in selected patients without pre-operative catheterization. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, May 1991)     

经胸超声心动图监测下用Amplatzer封堵器治疗房间隔缺损

目的：评价在经胸超声心动图(TTE)监测下用Amplatzer封堵器介入治疗房间隔缺损(ASD)的可行性及实用价值。方法：全组共18例继发孔型ASD患者，均在常规C型臂X线机透视和TTE指导下经导管置入Amplatzer封堵器。结果：18例患者中有2例未放置成功而改为开胸手术；16例均成功置入Amplatzer封堵器，即刻完全堵闭，术后随访3个月至2年，TTE示ASD仍被完全封闭，未见残余分流。随访期间无任何并发症。结论：在TTE和X线透视指导下用Amplatzer封堵器治疗继发孔型ASD安全可行，具有一定实用价值。