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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000; 48(4): 209-213
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-6900
Original Cardiovascular
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Ebstein's Anomaly in Adults: Doppler-Echocardiographic Evaluation

E. Oechslin, S. Buchholz, R. Jenni
  • Echocardiography Laboratory, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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A systematic approach and segmental analysis are required for comprehensive assessment including both morphologic and functional abnormalities associated with Ebstein's anomaly. The essence of the disease is an apical displacement of both the septal and the posterior tricuspid leaflets, exceeding 20 mm or 8 mm/m2 in adults. As a consequence, the right heart consists of three components including the true right atrium, the functional right ventricle (RV) and an intervening zone that is anatomically ventricular but functionally right atrial (atrialized RV). The thin wall of the atrialized RV may result in an aneurysm between the anatomic tricuspid annulus and the apically displaced posterior leaflet. The annular attachment of the anterior leaflet is normal, which may be dysplastic and adherent to the RV wall. Tricuspid regurgitation is usually moderate to severe. Size, shape and function of the functional RV must be described. The paradoxical motion of the interventricular septum causes alterations in left ventricular geometry and function. An interatrial communication is frequently present. Echocardiography is the method of choice to diagnose Ebstein's anomaly on its own or in association with other heart defects.

Key words:

Ebstein's anomaly - Doppler-echocardiography - evaluation

References

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Rolf Jenni,MD, MSEE 

Echocardiography Laboratory University Hospital

Raemistrasse 100

8091 Zürich

Switzerland

Phone: ++ 41 1 255 3447

Fax: ++ 41 255 4401

Email: karjer@usz.unizh.ch

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