Comparison between transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosing adult multiple atrial septal defect / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the value of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in diagnosing adult multiple atrial septal defect (MASD). Methods Thirty adult patients with MASD were examined with TTE, 25 patients were examined also with TEE, 26 patients were examined with cardiac catheterization as well. Transcatheter closure of MASD was performed in 20 patients and succeeded in 18, while open-chest operation was performed in 4 patients. Results Foramen secundum atrial septal defect was diagnosed with both TTE and TEE with an accuracy rate of 60.00% (18/30) and 96.00% (24/25), respectively. The main color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) feature of adult MASD was multiple colorful left-to-right shunt signals through the atrial septal designated, i.e. colander sign of CDFI. Conclusion TTE has some difficulties and TEE has specific value in diagnosing adult MASD. TTE can be used before open-chest operation. TEE is necessary before transcatheter occlusion to make sure of the amount and location of atrial septal defect.