Echocardiography in the detection of atrial septal defect

Abstract

The results of investigation by M-mode, two-dimensional and contrast echocardiography in 41 patients with ASD are reported. The differences in the heart shape, the dimensional ratio between the right and left ventricles, and the direction of the interventricular septal motion of the patients with ostium primum defect, ostium secundum defect and trilogy of Fallot are described. The characteristics of left-to-right, bi-directional and right-to-left shunts at the atrial level in contrast echocardiography and their relation to hemodynamic changes are also mentioned. The clinical value of echocardiography in detection of ASD and problems relating to its improvement are discussed.

Keywords

contrast echocardiography / atrial septal defect / shunt