A. Avinash

3D Xplane Echocardiographic Technique for Validation of Mitral Leaflet Separation to Assess Severity of Mitral Stenosis

Determining the severity of mitral stenosis (MS) is important for both prognostic and therapeutic implications. Mitral valve area (MVA) calculation techniques have more limitations. Mitral leaflet separation (MLS) is a precise and operator friendly alternative to planimetry. In contrast to previous researchers, we have used a novel 3D Xplane technique to validate MLS for assessing the severity of MS. 3D Xplane is superior for validation of MLS due to simultaneous real time acquisition of MLS in parasternal long‐axis view and corresponding MVA by planimetry in parsternal short‐axis view.

Congenital heart disease: Spectrum and distribution at a tertiary health care centre in western India

Background: Changing pattern and incidence of congenital heart diseases (CHD) have been observed in various geographical locations. Objectives: To study the frequency, age-wise distribution, and spectrum of congenital heart diseases (CHD) at a tertiary health care centre in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Methods: A retrospective analysis of case records of patients in the age group of 0 18 years referred for 2D echocardiography from January 2008 to July 2015 was done to ascertain the spectrum and distribution of CHDs. Clinical examination, electrocardiography, chest X ray and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were used as diagnostic tools. Results: Out of 8,641 patients, 2052 (23.75%) were found to have CHD. Male preponderance was observed (male to female ratio = 1.43). Study group comprised of 12.62% neonates, 39.38% infants and 47.81% of more than 1 year age. 1742 (84.89%) were acyanotics, and 310 (15.11%) suffered from cyanotic heart disease. Among the acyanotic heart diseases ventricular septal defect (VSD) was the most frequent lesion seen in 700 (40.18%), followed by atrial septal defect (ASD) in 370 (21.24%) children. Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was the most frequent cyanotic heart disease seen in 196 (63.23%) patients. Conclusion: The frequency of CHD at a tertiary care centre in western India was 23.75 percent. VSD and ASD were the most common acyanotic while TOF was the commonest cyanotic congenital heart defect observed. TTE plays an important role in the diagnosis of CHD. When clinical evidences lead to suspicion of congenital heart defect is suspected, an echocardiography should be performed.