Abstract

Imaging in preparation for catheter interventions in congenital heart disease

Author(s): T Krasemann

The indication to intervene on congential heart disease can be dependent on clinical symptoms such as breathlessness, cyanosis and heart failure signs, but in many cases echocardiographical findings lead to further investigations and even interventional treatment (i.e., an atrial septal defect with right heart volume load is typically clinically asymptomatic for a long time, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) may be the only investigation carried out prior to treatment). The same appeals to purely valvar stenosis of the semilunatic valves; however, if there is doubt about outflow tract obstruction or sub-/supra-valvar stenosis, a transesophageal echocardigram (TOE) can delineate the anatomy in high detail. On the other hand, especially in children, this will have to be carried out under general anesthesia.