Echocardiography - Anatomy and Physiology

An echo-Doppler was obtained in our patient to confirm the diagnosis, define anatomic details and evaluate certain physiologic measurements. Evaluation of anatomy by echo-Doppler in tetralogy of Fallot includes defining number, structure and location of ventricular septal defect; anatomy of the right ventricular infundibulum, pulmonary valve and central pulmonary arteries; coronary arteries distribution, particularly, origin of the left anterior descending coronary artery; position of the aortic valve, ascending aorta and aortic arch and identification of abnormal branching from the thoracic aorta. The study must also identify additional otherwise undetected abnormalities.

Evaluation of physiology in tetralogy of Fallot includes assessment of direction and velocity of flow across the ventricular septal defect; localization and quantification of obstruction to blood flow through the right ventricular infundibulum, pulmonary valve and pulmonary arteries; and assessment of the remaining three cardiac valves.