Diagnosis of the downward displacement of the posterior leaflet of tricuspid valve from apical right heart two chamber view by echocardiography

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the value of echocardiography method for diagnosis of the downward displacement of the posterior leaflet of tricuspid valve with apical right heart two chamber view (AP-RH-2CV). Methods Rotating the probe clockwise from apical four chamber view(AP-4CV) to AP-RH-2CV at the septial and posterior leaflet of tricuspid valve, the shape, moving and position of the posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve were observed by displaying the degree of downward displacement of the septial and posterior leaflet of tricuspid valve. The location of the orifice of tricuspid regurgitation was examined by color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI). Results In 15 patients with Ebstein's anomaly from the AP-RH-2CV, the downward displacement of posterior leaflet of tricuspid valve was clearly observed at the AP-RH-2CV. These results of echocardiography were confirmed by surgery except one ease missing out mild downward displacement of the anterior leaflet of tricuspid valve. Moreover, all 15 patients showed the obvious downward displacement of the location of the orifice of tricuspid regurgitation from AP-RH-2CV by CDFI. Conclusions The AP-RH-2CV is an ideal view in diagnosis of the downward displacement of the posterior leaflet of tricuspid valve by echocardiography. The downward displacement of the location of the orifice of tricuspid regurgitation is a critical character for diagnosis of the downward displacement of the posterior leaflet of tricuspid valve by CDFI. Key words: Echocardiography; Ebstein's anomaly