Comprehensive Echocardiographic Technique In The Diagnostic Evaluation Of Tetralogy Of Fallot: A Series Study

1. Evaluation of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot by Two-dimensional Echocardiography Using A New Subcostal ViewPreoperative evaluation of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is extremely important for surgical correction. Therefore, the value of two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) to assess the right ventriciular outflow in 21 children (Aged 2 years to 13 years, mean 6+/- 3.3 years)with TOF was studied using a new subcostal view. To obtain the new subcostal view from the short aortic valve level, the transducer was sightly rotated clockwise with an anterior angulation so that the ascending aorta was seen in its long axis, providing an image similar to that obtained by a right ventriculogram in the elongated right anterior oblique view . The deviation of infundibular septum was appreciated by measurement of the angle(?) , defined by the plane of aortic anulus and long axis of the infundibular septum. There was a middle negative correlation (R=-0.73,P=0.001,SEE=10 ) between the angle and the severity of the disease. The view was superior to standard 2DE views in imaging the severity and type of the infundibular obstruction. Thus, 2DE using the new subcostal cut provided...