Rev Esp Cardiol
-
Comparative Study
[Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in the pre- and postoperative assessment of interatrial communication].
Transthoracic echocardiography is the most useful noninvasive method to diagnose atrial septal defect. It is suggested by some authors that transesophageal echocardiography is more accurate than transthoracic echocardiography in this setting. Our aim was to compare the usefulness of both techniques in: 1) diagnosing atrial septal defect, 2) detecting associated anomalies and 3) postoperative assessment. ⋯ Transesophageal echocardiography is superior to transthoracic echocardiography in diagnosing atrial septal defect sinus venosus type, detecting associated anomalies and postoperative assessment. Transthoracic echocardiography is diagnostic in the majority of patients with atrial septal defect ostium primum and ostium secundum types.
-
Eighty-two patients with suspected aortic dissection were studied to assess the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of this entity. ⋯ Transesophageal echocardiography provides rapid, accurate diagnosis of aortic dissection and permits the initiation of appropriate treatment. Angiography is indicated in non-conclusive cases or those which supra-aortic involvement clinically suspected.
-
We report our experience in balloon atrial septostomy using two-dimensional echocardiography as control for the catheter placement and performance of the procedure instead of traditional fluoroscopic control. ⋯ We conclude that atrial septostomy with balloon catheter can be carried out safely, under echocardiographic control in the intensive care unit. Above all, critical patients should not be removed from the unit because they are high risk patients.