[Echocardiographic study following corrective surgery for transposition of the great arteries using a baffle]

Sixteen patients undergoing corrective surgery of transposition of the great arteries following Arcas' technique were studied by echocardiography. Mean age was 8.7 years, ranging from 2 to 25 years. The echocardiographic studies were performed between 6 months and 10 years after surgery (X: 5.6 years). Paradoxical movement of the interventricular septum, right ventricle dilatation, diastolic fluttering of the mitral valve and tricuspid incompetence are commonly recorded. Tricuspid insufficiency does not necessarily mean right ventricular disfunction in these patients. Due to the particular baffle shape, bidimensional echocardiographic recognition of superior cava vein obstruction is easy. In addition, the waves of cava veins showed a characteristic pattern with predominant diastolic wave, which is an argument against its obstruction. In conclusion, echo and Doppler studies are reliable means for an adequate follow-up of these patients.