[Surgical treatment of double outlet left ventricle]

Three young patients with double outlet left ventricle were operated on at the Centre chirurgica Marie-Lannelongue. There was one secondary death. The follow up period of the two survivors is 24 months and 8 months respectively. The diagnosis of this rare congenital abnormality is difficult because of the multiplicity of the anatomical changes and the diversity of the final clinical entity. This is reflected in the attempts at classification. These difficulties are increased by the high incidence of incomplete forms of the condition which gives rise, especially in vivo, to problems of terminology. Echocardiography provides valuable information in the diagnosis of these forms by showing the abnormal relationship between the interventricular septum and the origin of the great vessels. A complete work up is essential before any decision can be made on management. Particular importance is placed on the topographical and morphological features of the atria and ventricles, the connections of the aorta and pulmonary arteries, and the state of the pulmonary tract. Modern surgical techniques have made correction possible in most forms of the disease, but involves complex procedures which leaves doubts on their long term outcome.