Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Evaluation of Post Traumatic Acquired Thoracic Aortic Coarctation

Abstract

We report a young patient with post traumatic acquired thoracic aortic coarctation in whom three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) demonstrated incremental value over two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE). 3DTTE showed (1) en face views of the obstruction site that showed a markedly narrowed, roughly circular orifice measuring 0.33 cm(2) in area, (2) echogenic tissue encroaching on the graft lumen consistent with fibrosis/thrombus, and (3) no graft protrusion into the aortic lumen, only hypermobility of the medial portion of the graft. These important findings were not detected by 2DTTE.

Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in Assessment of Stented Coarctation of Aorta: A Case‐Based Presentation

“…[5][6][7] RT3DE has been used in evaluation of aortic graft dehiscence in a patient following surgical repair. 8 Intraoperative assessment of aortic coarctation using RT3DE has been reported to provide useful additional information to support intraoperative decision making. 9 We report a patient in whom transthoracic RT3DE was utilized for evaluation of the coarctation of the descending aorta following angioplasty and stent placement.…”

“…Real time 3D echocardiography imaging provides comprehensive assessment of the thoracic aorta from multiple longitudinal and cross‐sectional views . RT3DE has been used in evaluation of aortic graft dehiscence in a patient following surgical repair . Intraoperative assessment of aortic coarctation using RT3DE has been reported to provide useful additional information to support intraoperative decision making …”

The Incremental Value of Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

“…One study used 3D TTE to evaluate a patient with acquired aortic coarctation secondary to trauma . Compared with 2D TTE, 3D TTE provided incremental value by demonstrating a marked narrowing on an en face view of the stenosis giving a more complete evaluation of the coarctation and offering insight regarding the likely cause of the narrowing.…”

“…One study used 3D TTE to evaluate a patient with acquired aortic coarctation secondary to trauma. 43 Compared with 2D TTE, 3D TTE provided incremental value by demonstrating a marked narrowing on an en face view of the stenosis giving a more complete evaluation of the coarctation and offering insight regarding the likely cause of the narrowing. Furthermore, intraoperative 3D echocardiography because of its ability to provide infinite imaging planes and detailed examination of anatomy is useful to guide decision making during a surgical repair of coarctation.…”