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Updated: May 31, 2026

A Pipeline to Characterize Structural Heart Defects in the Fetal Mouse
Published on: December 16, 2022
The Gerbode defect or left ventricular to right atrial shunt assessed by transthoracic 3D echocardiography
Philippe Acar1, Pierre-Emmanuel Séguela, Sébastien Hascoet
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Childrens Hospital, Toulouse, France. acar.p@chu-toulouse.fr
Insights
This study highlights 3D echocardiography for visualizing perimembranous ventricular septal defects in a young male. This advanced imaging precisely maps defect characteristics and surrounding cardiac anatomy for surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are common congenital heart anomalies requiring accurate anatomical assessment.
- Traditional 2D echocardiography may not fully delineate the complex spatial relationships of VSDs.
- Advanced imaging modalities are crucial for pre-surgical planning in pediatric cardiac cases.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old male presented with a perimembranous VSD.
- 2D echocardiography revealed left-to-right and atrial shunting.
- 3D "en face" echocardiographic views of the left and right ventricles were acquired.
Findings:
- 3D echocardiography successfully characterized the VSD's morphology, shape, and septal extension.
- Realistic spatial visualization of the tricuspid valve, right ventricular outflow tract, and aortic valve was achieved.
- This provided a comprehensive understanding of the defect's anatomical context.
Implications:
- 3D echocardiography offers superior anatomical detail for VSDs compared to 2D methods.
- Enhanced visualization aids in precise surgical planning and risk assessment for VSD repair.
- This technology can improve outcomes in pediatric congenital heart defect management.
Abstract:
We report the case a 14-year-old male presented with a perimembranous ventricular septal defect. 2D echocardiography showed both left ventricular to right ventricular and atrial shunt. Left and right ventricular 3D "en face" views of the defect were obtained. 3D echocardiography delineated the morphologic nature of the ventricular septal defect, its shape, and the direction in which the defect extends into the ventricular septum. Other anatomic structures such as the tricuspid valve leaflet, the right ventricular outflow tract, and the aortic valve can be displayed in their realistic spatial distribution. These findings have clinical implications when surgical repair is planned.
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