CROSS SECTIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE WITH A PHASED ARRAY 80° SECTOR SCANNER

Abstract

We have evaluated a new 80° cross sectional scanner in 110 children with heart disease. The transducer is applied to the chest at the lower left sternal edge and is oriented in the major diameter of the left ventricle (View I). A transverse view in the plane of the minor diameter of the left ventricle may be used to demonstrate relationships of cardiac structures from the apex to the great arteries (View II). With the transducer applied over the apex beat the beam transects the interventricular and interatrial septa and atrioventricular valves so that all four chambers are seen (View III). View I defines mitral valve disease, left ventricular outflow abnormalities, the presence of aortic override of the interventricular septum, and mitral-aortic continuity. View II defines mitral and tricuspid valves, relative ventricular sizes, and the relative size and position of the great arteries. View III allows study of ventricular size and function, ventricular and atrial septal defects, differentiation between partial and complete forms of atrioventricular canal defect, and deformities of the atrioventricular valves (such as Ebstein's anomaly and mitral stenosis). The presence of cor triatriatum and the interatrial baffle of Mustard's operation can be shown. The 80° sector scan provides a new dimension in ultrasonic investigation of congenital heart disease.