Outlet Ventricular Septal Defect: A Case Report on the Importance of Multi-Window Sonographic Assessment

Abstract

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the existence of structural heart problems since the formation of the heart prebirth. There are different categories of CHD, all having their own unique frequency and severity characteristics. One type of CHD is a ventricular septal defect (VSD), more specifically outlet VSD. A VSD is the most common congenital heart defect; however, their presentation can be quite complex. Color and spectral Doppler transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are valuable tools used in the diagnosis of VSDs. The often-challenging presentation of these defects requires sonographers to confirm their existence through the parasternal long-axis, parasternal short-axis, apical four chamber, apical three chamber, and apical five chamber scanning windows. Although VSDs are the most common congenital heart defect, their wide-ranging uniqueness and location along the interventricular septum (IVS) to assess all areas along the IVS on all exams, specifically those that demonstrate left-to-right shunting. The objective of this case report was to stress the importance of multi-window assessment during the sonographer’s interrogation of outlet VSDs, due to the potential implications on adjacent anatomy and the potential for surgical intervention.