Diagnosis of aortic coarctation combined with hypoplastic aortic arch by echocardiography

Abstract

Objective To study the diagnosis accuracy and features of echocardiography on aortic coarctation combined with hypoplastic aortic arch. Methods The echocardiographic characteristics of seven patients who were diagnosed as aortic coarctation combined with hypoplastic aortic arch were analyzed and compared with results of cardiac catheterization, CT scan and operation. The diagnostic features of echocardiography were summarized. Results Besides the echocardiographic characteristics of aortic coarctation,other specific echocardiographic characteristics of hypoplastic aortic arch were:distinct stenoses of transverse and decsending part of aortic arch were visualized in supra-sternal long-axis view; the range of hypoplastic part started from innominate artery beginning or left common carotid artery beginning; the ratio of diameter of hypoplastic aortic arch over that of descending aorta at diaphragm was less than 0. 5; the blood flow speed detected by Doppler at the site of aortic coarctation was in the normal range. The echocardiographic characteristics of the aortic coarctation combined with hypoplastic aortic arch were correspondent to the results of cardiac catheterization, CT scan and operation results. Conclusions There is high accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosis of aortic coarctation combined with hypoplastic aortic arch. Hypoplastic aortic arch should be paid more attention in diagnosis of aortic coarctation. Key words: Echocardiography; Aortic coarctation; Hypoplastic aortic arch