Clarifying the Cardiovascular Morphology and Associated Abnormalities in Patients with Double Inlet Right Ventricle

Niraj Nirmal Pandey1, Mansi Verma2, Sheetal Sharma2

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Radiology & Endovascular Interventions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India. nirajpandey2403@gmail.com.

Pediatric Cardiology
|January 5, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Double inlet right ventricle (DIRV) is a complex congenital heart defect often accompanied by other cardiovascular anomalies. Multidetector CT angiography reveals common associated conditions like double outlet right ventricle and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction, crucial for surgical planning.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Double inlet right ventricle (DIRV) is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by both atria connecting to a single ventricle, typically the right ventricle.
  • Understanding the spectrum of associated cardiovascular anomalies in DIRV is critical for effective clinical management and surgical planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the intracardiac morphology and associated cardiovascular anomalies in patients diagnosed with double inlet right ventricle (DIRV) using multidetector CT angiography.
  • To identify the prevalence of specific anatomical variations and abnormalities in a cohort of DIRV patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of multidetector CT angiography data from January 2014 to January 2023.
  • Systematic evaluation of intracardiac anatomy and associated cardiovascular abnormalities in 41 patients diagnosed with DIRV, excluding those with a common atrioventricular valve.

Main Results:

  • DIRV was diagnosed in 41 patients, with hypoplastic left ventricle (95.1%), AV valve straddling (97.6%), and ventricular septal defects (100%) being highly prevalent.
  • The most common ventriculo-arterial morphology was double outlet right ventricle (DORV) (61%), followed by pulmonary outflow tract obstruction (58.5%).
  • Other anomalies included isomerism (21.5%), systemic venous anomalies (31.7%), pulmonary venous anomalies (14.6%), and coronary artery anomalies (19.5%).

Conclusions:

  • Double inlet right ventricle (DIRV) is a complex single ventricle congenital heart disease frequently associated with other cardiovascular abnormalities, notably DORV and pulmonary outflow tract obstruction.
  • Detailed anatomical assessment via CT angiography is essential for preoperative planning and can positively impact surgical outcomes in patients with DIRV.