The role of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in preoperative assessment of atrial septal defects

An atrial septal defect is the most common congenital heart disease. Transcatheter defect closure has become widespread in recent times and the requirements for this procedure are rather strict. Two-dimensional echocardiography is limited in evaluating atrial septal defects because it provides planar images only. In order to preoperatively assess atrial septal defects, we applied three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and then compared the results with those of surgical operations. The maximum diameter, shape, area and localization of the atrial septal defect in 26 patients were estimated with three-dimensional echocardiography. It was found out that positive correlation existed between three-dimensional echocardiography findings and those measured during surgery. Three-dimensional echocardiography provides invaluable assistance in preoperative evaluation of atrial septal defects and in selection of treatment.