It is difficult for conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), by which precise and accurate images of interatrial septum (IAS) can not be acquired, to diagnose patent foramen ovale (PFO) clearly. To evaluate the diagnostic value of biplanar transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for PFO, TTE and biplanar TEE were performed simultaneously in 270 patients. It was found that in 7 patients patent foramen ovale was detected only through longitudinal planes of biplanar TEE. IAS, which consists of primitive septum and membrane of fossa ovalis, can be directly visualized by two-dimensional images of TEE; in patients with PFO, a dull color flow, which shunts from the right atria to the left atria through the gap between primitive septum and fossa ovalis, can be detected by color Doppler flow images. Furthermore, some right-to-left shunting microbubbles through the valve of patent fossa ovalis can be discovered by cardiac acoustic contrast echocardiography. In conclusion, biplanar TEE combined with color Doppler image and cardiac acoustic contrast facilitates a definite diagnosis of patent foramen ovale as the excellent anatomic images of IAS can be obtained from multiple views under this kind of performance.
This paper reports on two prospective studies of ultrasound examination of the hip in 150 healthy subjects and 50 patients with hip joint diseases. The sagittal distance of the anterior recess of the hip was measured on the sonogram of the sagittal section. The normal value in adults, teenagers and children was 4.54 mm ±0.99 mm, 4.27 mm ±1.26 mm and 3.40 mm ±0.93 mm, respectively. Ultrasound examination of both hips in 50 patients with hip joint diseases showed that the sagittal distance of the anterior recess was significantly widened in the symptomatic side, and the mean value in the symptomatic side and normal side was 12.02 mm ±3.68 mm, and 4.12 mm ±l.15 mm, respectively. Ultrasound showed echo-free area in anterior recess in 42 hips, hypoecho and medium echo area in 8 hips. Of 50 patients undergoing plain radiography, 33 showed bony changes of the hip, and the remaining 17 no change whatever. The results obtained demonstrated that ultrasound can accurately detect effusion of the hip, what is more, it is easy to operate, inexpensive, noninvasive, convenient for follow-up and without radiation damage.