ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF THE INTERATRIAL SEPTAL COMMUNICATION IN INFANTS WITH HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME

Abstract

Subxiphoid two dimensional echocardiograms (echos) were examined in infants (<1 year) with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS, n=15), secundum atrial septal defects (ASD2, n=15) and persistent fetal circulation (PFC, n=15). The location of the interatrial communication (IAC) was characterized in horizontal (H) and sagital (S) echo planes. Measurements determined were: 1) H plane distance from the center of the IAC to the right atrial posterior wall (H_c), 2) total H plane atrial septal length (H_L), 3) S plane distance from the center of the IAC to the superior right atrial wall (S_c), and 4) total S plane atrial septal length (S_L).Results were expressed as ratios (mean ± SD):

Thus, the IAC in HLHS is more posterior and superior than in ASD2 or PFC. This observation may have implications for catheter manipulation and atrial septosotomy, as well as providing insight into embryogenesis of HLHS.

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