Ebstein's anomaly assessed by real-time 3-D echocardiography

The outcome of patients with Ebstein's malformation depends mainly on the severity of the tricuspid valve malformation. Accurate description of the tricuspid anatomy by two-dimensional echocardiography remains difficult. We applied real-time three-dimensional echocardiography to 3 patients with Ebstein's anomaly. Preoperative and postoperative descriptions of the tricuspid valve were obtained from views taken inside the right ventricle. Surface of the leaflets as well as the commissures were obtained by three-dimensional echocardiography. Real time three-dimensional echocardiography is a promising tool, providing new views that will help to evaluate the ability and efficiency of surgical valve repair in patient with Ebstein's malformation.