Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in Ebstein's anomaly

Three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography has advantages over traditional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography in visualizing tricuspid valve morphology in Ebstein's anomaly. We describe the application of intra-operative 3D transesophageal echocardiography during a tricuspid valve repair procedure in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly. Intra-operatively three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic (3D TEE) data sets revealed morphology and function of the tricuspid valve, right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) and pulmonary valve before and after repair. Tricuspid valve leaflet morphology and coaptation as visualized with 3D TEE proved to be consistent with intra-operative findings. Analysis of the tricuspid valve, RVOT and pulmonary valve in the multi-planar review (MPR) mode revealed a bicuspid pulmonary valve, which had not been noticed on the preoperative 2D echocardiographic work-up. In this patient with Ebstein's anomaly, 3D TEE provided additional information on morphology and function of tricuspid valve, RVOT and pulmonary valve. (C) 2010 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.