Clinical Application and Multidisciplinary Assessment of Three Dimensional Printing in Double Outlet Right Ventricle With Remote Ventricular Septal Defect.

BACKGROUND: Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with two well-developed ventricles and with a remote ventricular septal defect (VSD) may present a therapeutic challenge. Echocardiographic imaging of such complex cases does not always provide all of the information required to decide on an operative approach (biventricular or univentricular) and to design an intracardiac baffle to direct left ventricular outflow through the VSD and to the aorta for biventricular repair. A three dimensional (3D) printed model of the heart based upon data derived from computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may contribute to a more complete appreciation of the intracardiac anatomy. METHODS: From April to September 2015, six consecutive patients with DORV and remote VSD underwent CT/MRI scans. Data sets from these studies were used to generate life-size 3D models using a 3D printer. We compared the assessment of 3D printed heart model findings with information obtained from echocardiography, CT, or cardiac MRI and with details of the surgeon's intraoperative direct observations when available. Quantification of the information provided by the 3D model was achieved using a unique scale that was created for the purpose of this study. The accuracy and utility of information derived preoperatively from the models were assessed. RESULTS: Six data sets from six patients were analyzed. Five data sets could be successfully used to create sandstone models using 3D printing. The five patients ranged from 7 months to 11 years of age and weighed 6.7 to 26 kg. The spatial orientation of the heart in the thorax, the relationships of the great arteries and the semilunar valves, the size and location of the VSD were well appreciated in all models, as were the anticipated dimensions and orientation of a surgically planned interventricular baffle. Three of the five patients underwent successful biventricular repair. CONCLUSION: The 3D printed models scored higher than conventional imaging, with respect to most aspects of the surface spatial orientation and intracardiac anatomy. The models are a useful adjunct in preoperative assessment of complex DORV. The unique scale helps quantify the advantages and limitations of the 3D heart models.

MRA-based 3D-printed heart model-an effective tool in the pre-surgical planning of DORV.

A three-dimensional (3D) printed heart model based on contrast-enhanced MR angiography data was obtained in an 8-month-old male child with double-outlet right ventricle. The model could successfully show the spatial relationship between the aortic annulus, the pulmonary valve and the ventricular septal defect. The patient underwent complete intracardiac repair based on the 3D model. MR angiography images could be successfully used to create a true-size 3D heart model, which significantly helped in assessing the routability of the ventricular septal defect to the aorta, leading to successful intracardiac repair in our patient.

Ectopic Pregnancy in caesarean section scar: A case report.

We report a rare case of ectopic pregnancy occurring in the scar of a previous caesarean section, diagnosed by ultrasonography and confirmed by 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging of pelvis. We present the clinical details and imaging findings, followed by discussion of the etiology, pathogenesis, and imaging of this condition.