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Obstruction within the right ventricular body: two-dimensional echocardiographic features
The American Journal of Cardiology
|May 15, 1983
Summary
Real-time 2-D echocardiography can identify right ventricular (RV) body obstruction, often overlooked in cardiac catheterization and surgery. This imaging technique reveals characteristic RV cavity "hourglass" shapes and aids in diagnosing this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Right ventricular (RV) body obstruction is a serious condition that can be overlooked.
- Causes include muscle bundles and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of real-time 2-D echocardiography in diagnosing RV body obstruction.
- To highlight specific echocardiographic findings associated with RV body obstruction.
Main Methods:
- Real-time 2-dimensional (2-D) echocardiograms were performed in 4 patients with RV body obstruction.
- Specific echocardiographic views, including subcostal RV inflow-apex-outflow plane, were utilized.
- Pulse Doppler studies were conducted in select patients.
Main Results:
- Echocardiography revealed RV body obstruction in all 4 patients, caused by muscle bundles (3) or HC (1).
- A characteristic "hourglass" RV cavity shape was observed in 3 patients due to RV free wall bulging.
- Ventricular septal defects (VSD) were noted in 2 patients; one HC patient had septal bulging into the RV.
- Obstruction was best visualized in the subcostal plane in 3 cases.
- Pulse Doppler confirmed disturbed RV flow in 2 patients.
Conclusions:
- Real-time 2-D echocardiography is a feasible and valuable tool for diagnosing RV body obstruction.
- This imaging modality can improve diagnostic accuracy for a condition often missed by other methods.
- Early identification of RV body obstruction via echocardiography can guide appropriate management.