Three-dimensional echocardiography of ventricular septal defects

Abstract

Three-dimensional echocardiography is increasingly available. This article reports on experiences with 3D reconstructions of ventricular septal defects: Unique images of all different types of ventricular septal defects are reconstructed from left and right ventricular en-face views. The images are discussed according to pathological classifications. The images shown in this article include all landmarks used in pathological classifications of ventricular septal defects to distinguish the different types of the defects and their extension directions. The possibility of visualizing the whole circumference prevents the examiner from under- or overestimating the size of a defect and gives the interventionalist a useful tool for patient and device selection for interventional VSD closure.