Subxiphoid two-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of double-chambered right ventricle

The echocardiographic features of 14 patients with double-chambered right ventricle are presented. Diagnosis was confirmed in 13 patients at cardiac catheterization and in one at necropsy. The ultrasonic diagnosis was based on the visualization in subxiphoid short-axis view of an anomalous muscle bundle at the lower margin of the right ventricular infundibulum; this structure was present in diastole and systole and the distal portion of infundibulum was wide and free of obstruction. Associated lesions were very frequent (especially ventricular septal defects, present in 13 patients). Subxiphoid two-dimensional echocardiography is an easy, reliable, noninvasive means of assessing this disease in infants and children.