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DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1022240
Two-dimensional Echocardiographic Recognition and Surgical Management of Aortopulmonary Septal Defect in the Premature Infant
Publication History
1981
Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)
Summary
An aorticopulmonary septal defect (APSD) results from failure of proper conotruncal separation. The hemodynamic consequences of this lesion closely resemble that of other large left-to-right shunt defects, especially a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Failure to differentiate these 2 abnormalities has not infrequently led to an inappropriate surgical approach in pursuit of the far more common PDA.
This report describes the two-dimensional echocardiographic (2-DE) recognition of an APSD in 2 premature infants. Survival of these delicate neonates indicates that successful surgery can be performed even in small infants.
A thorough 2-DE examination for an APSD is recommended for any infant before proceeding to surgery for a suspected PDA, especially when cardiac catheterization has not been performed.
Key words
Aorticopulmonary septal defect - Two-dimensional echocardiography - Congenital heart disease - Cardiac surgery - Prematurity