[Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve in adulthood]

Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital malformation of the heart, the basic feature of which is dislocation of the tricuspid valve into the right ventricular cavity. The frequently present dysplasia of the tricuspid valve is considered as integral part of this anomaly. Although affected subjects may reach adult age, it is no exception that the diagnosis of this anomaly in clinical practice is problematical, as apparent from the presented case-history. The authors emphasize the importance of two-dimensional echocardiography which provides very valuable morphological information needed not only for establishment of the diagnosis of this malformation but it makes it also possible to foresee the prognosis of the patient and the therapeutic tactics--conservative or surgical treatment.