Real Time 3D Echocardiography for Evaluation of TOF Cases as an Alternative to Cardiac Catheterization

Abstract

etralogy of Fallot is a cyanotic congenital heart malformation comprising infundibular pulmonary stenosis, a conoventricular septal defect, dextroposition of the aorta such that the aortic root overrides the crest of ventricular septum, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Currently 2D imaging is the core of every echocardiographic examination, together with M-mode, pulsed Doppler, continuous wave Doppler and color Doppler. Using current 2D imaging techniques, an experienced cardiologist can accurately diagnose most congenital malformations. Despite the truth that cardiac catheterization is the gold standard technique in deciding about possibility of corrective surgery or palliative shunts as step for final corrective surgery, but still its invasive nature which carries risk of major and minor complication, make the cardiologist keep searching for more non invasive easy technique to replace its role upon which the cardiac surgeons can decide for the best surgery technique suitable for each patient. This study was designed to assess all anatomical information that was to be diagnosed by the invasive cardiac catheterization, compared to the non invasive 3DE in