Overriding tricuspid valve: echocardiographic and angiocardiographic features

Insights from examination of hearts from adults dying suddenly to the understanding of congenital cardiac malformations

Congenital heart disease is a rare but important finding in adults who experience sudden death. Examination of the congenitally malformed heart has historically been considered esoteric and best left to those with expertise. The Cardiac Risk in the Young cardiovascular pathology laboratory based at St George's University of London has now received over 6,000 cases. Of these, 21 congenitally malformed hearts were retained for research and educational purposes. Hearts were assessed using sequential segmental analysis, and causes of death were adjudicated based on thorough macroscopic examination and histology. Congenital malformations that were encountered included atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great arteries in both its regular and congenitally corrected variants. Findings also included hearts with mirror-imaged and isomeric atrial appendages. Direct causes of death included myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and hemorrhage. A small but notable proportion did not reveal a substrate for arrhythmia, raising the question of whether the terminal event was due to the congenital heart disease itself, or an underlying channelopathy. Here, we demonstrate the value of simple sequential segmental analysis in describing and categorizing the cases, with the concept of the "morphological method" serving to identify the distinguishing features of the cardiac components. Clin. Anat. 33:394-404, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Remodeling of the Embryonic Interventricular Communication in Regard to the Description and Classification of Ventricular Septal Defects

Ventricular septal defects are the commonest congenital cardiac malformations. Appropriate knowledge of the steps involved in completion of ventricular septation should provide clues as to the morphology of the different phenotypes. Currently, however, consensus is lacking regarding the components of the developing ventricular septum, and how best to describe the different phenotypes seen in postnatal life. We have reassessed the previous investigations devoted to closure of the embryonic interventricular communication. On this basis, we discuss how studies in the early part of the 20th century correctly identified the steps involved in the remodeling of the embryonic interventricular foramen subsequent to the stage at which the outflow tract arises entirely above the cavity of the developing right ventricle. There has, however, already been remodeling of the foramen from the stage at which the atrioventricular canal is supported exclusively by the developing left ventricle. We show how these temporal changes in morphology can provide explanations for the different ventricular septal defects seen in the clinical setting. Thus, muscular defects represent inappropriate coalescence of muscular ventricular septum. The channels that are perimembranous are due to failure of closure of the persisting embryonic interventricular foramen. Those that are doubly committed and juxta-arterial reflect failure of formation of the free-standing subpulmonary muscular infundibular sleeve. The findings also point to the importance of appropriate alignment, during development, between the developing atrial and ventricular septums, and between the apical component of the ventricular septum and the ventricular outlet components. Anat Rec, 302:19-31, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anatomy of discordant atrioventricular connections

The term discordant atrioventricular connections refers to the situation in which the ventricles are connected inappropriately to the atrial chambers. In most instances, the connections of the great arteries are also abnormal, with the aorta and the pulmonary trunk arising from morphologically inappropriate ventricles. This combination results in the presence of so-called congenitally corrected transposition. Double-outlet right ventricle is occasionally present, while concordant ventriculoarterial connections may be seen rarely. Most such hearts have a range of additional abnormalities, including ventricular septal defects; outflow tract obstruction, usually of the morphologically left ventricle; anomalies of the morphologically tricuspid valve; and a highly abnormal location of the specialized atrioventricular conduction axis. Some examples exhibit bizarre abnormalities of ventricular relationships and topology, including criss-cross atrioventricular connections and superoinferior ventricular relations. In describing the anatomy of these malformations, it is important to use a step-by-step segmental approach to the documentation of the connections and associated defects in each case and to avoid potentially confusing shorthand terms.

The Role of Tricuspid Valve Surgery in the Late Management of Tetralogy of Fallot

While surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is generally associated with good early outcomes, late complications affect long-term survival and may require reoperation. Pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may increase the risk of arrhythmias, reduced cardiac function, and sudden death. Tricuspid valve function can be compromised secondarily in the setting of PR or directly as a result of injury or alteration of the valve related to the original TOF repair. This article reviews the etiologic mechanisms, pathophysiological implications, and surgical interventions for TR. Effective management following TOF repair requires consideration of TR to optimize late outcomes.

The surgical anatomy of ventricular septal defect

There is still no consensus as to how best to categorize and describe interventricular communications. In a series of three reviews, a system will be described showing how the anatomical criteria chosen for categorization will also serve as a guide for surgeons as to the location of the axis responsible for atrioventricular conduction tissue. In this first review, the defects described are not complicated by overriding of arterial or atrioventricular valves and are present in hearts that have basically normal segmental connections, or have some discordant connections (complete transposition or congenitally corrected transposition). The rims of the defect categorize the boundaries to which a surgeon may place a patch. Variations in these rims produce three classes of defect: perimembranous; muscular; and doubly committed and juxtaarterial (subarterial). The second part of the classification recognizes the further variation existing with respect to the component of the morphologically right ventricle into which the defect predominantly empties. Deficient atrioventricular septation can also lead to interventricular shunting in isolation, but the morphology is then quite different from hearts with simple deficiencies of the ventricular septum. We emphasize the abnormal location of the atrioventricular node in hearts with atrioventricular, as opposed to ventricular, septal defects.

Subxiphoid two-dimensional echocardiographic identification of tricuspid valve abnormalities in transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect

Tricuspid valve morphology was examined using subxiphoid 2-dimensional echocardiography (2-D echo) in 39 infants aged 2 years or younger who had transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) (group I). Age-matched control groups were 21 patients with simple TGA (group II), 30 patients with VSD and normally related great arteries (group III), and 15 normal patients (group IV). Valve abnormalities, consisting of chordal attachments to the infundibular septum or ventricular septal crest, straddling, overriding or some combination of these, were identified in 25 of 39 patients (64%) in group I, no patients in groups II or IV and 6 of 30 patients (20%) in group III. Intraatrial baffle repair was performed in 27 patients in group I (median age at surgery 3.5 months) and 19 patients in group II (median age 4 months). Preoperative right ventricular angiography, performed in all patients with TGA, demonstrated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with biventricular dysfunction in 1 patient in group I. After surgery, TR was present in 9 of 17 group I patients and none of the 8 group II patients who underwent catheterization. All patients in whom TR was not present preoperatively had abnormal chordal attachments; 3 required valve replacement. These results demonstrate that tricuspid valve abnormalities are common in patients with TGA and VSD and may be identified preoperatively using 2-D echo. Patients with abnormal chordal attachments are at increased risk for TR after intraatrial baffle repair and should be considered for arterial switch repair.

Straddling atrioventricular valve: two-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis, classification and surgical implications

The usefulness of subclassifying the anatomic variations of straddling and overriding atrioventricular (AV) valve by 2-dimensional echocardiographic observation were evaluated. Chordae straddling into a contralateral ventricle were subdivided into type A (chordae inserting into the contralateral ventricle near the crest of the ventricular septum), type B (chordae inserting along the contralateral ventricular septum) and type C (chordae inserting into the free wall or papillary muscles of the contralateral ventricle). Overriding AV valve anulus was described as minor (less than 50% of the anulus committed to the contralateral ventricle), major (about 50% of the anulus committed to each ventricle), and double-inlet ventricle (greater than 50% of both AV valves committed to a single ventricular chamber). In 52 patients straddling AV valve was diagnosed by echocardiography and confirmed by direct examination at surgery or autopsy. In 60 of 66 straddling AV valves (91%), the diagnosis and the degree of straddling (type A, B or C) were correctly identified by 2-D echocardiography. Major associated cardiac defects included double-outlet right ventricle (31%), complete transposition (23%), corrected transposition (19%), double-inlet ventricle (19%) and other complex defects (8%). Twenty-two patients (42%) had right-sided straddling, 21 (40%) had left-sided straddling and 9 (17%) had straddling of both AV valves. In 41% of the patients, straddling AV valve had a major impact on the type of surgery or the surgical outcome. Of these valves, 52% were type C (severe), 26% type B and 22% type A straddling.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Criss-cross heart with straddling right atrioventricular valve

Angiocardiographic appearance of a criss-cross heart with straddling tricuspid valve has been presented. Atrial situs was normal and the right atrium was connected to the morphological right ventricle situated superiorly and to the left of the left ventricle. The left atrium was connected to the morphological left ventricle situated inferiorly and to the right of the right ventricle. The interventricular septum was horizontal in position. Both great arteries arose from the right ventricle with the anterior aorta. The case was concluded as a criss-cross heart with concordant atrioventricular (A-V) connection and double outlet right ventricle (DORV). Straddling of the right A-V valve was recognized in another institution by two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography and confirmed by right atrial angiography in our institution. The value of combined investigation with selective four-chamber angiography, especially including right atrial angiography and 2-D echocardiography in the diagnosis of such complex cardiac anomalies has been stressed.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of overriding tricuspid valve in a child with Ebstein's anomaly

The M-mode echocardiographic diagnosis of overriding tricuspid valve rests on the ability to demonstrate simultaneously two atrioventricular valves with no intervening septal echo [6, 13]. When scanning inferiorly toward the body of the ventricles, a distinct septal echo at the level of the midportion of the tricuspid valve can be detected. Here we report a case of Ebstein's anomaly, pulmonary stenosis, and ventricular septal defect (VSD), in which the echogram falsely indicated an overriding tricuspid valve.

Atrioventricular valve abnormalities in infancy: two-dimensional echocardiographic and angiocardiographic comparison

The results of two-dimensional echocardiography and biplane angiocardiography from 47 infants with congenital atrioventricular (AV) valve abnormalities were compared. Eleven patients had atresia of the right AV valve, 10 had atresia of the left AV valve, 4 had hypoplasia of the right AV valve and 5 had hypoplasia of the left AV valve. Twelve patients had endocardial cushion defect, three had single ventricle and two had straddling of the left AV valve. There was agreement between the two techniques as to the number of AV valves present in each patient. The echocardiographic estimate of valve anular diameter was below normal in seven of the eight patients thought to have a hypoplastic anulus by angiocardiography. In 10 of the 12 patients with endocardial cushion defect, there was agreement between the two techniques as to the presence or absence of atrial and ventricular septal defect. The chordal attachments of straddling valves were better visualized by echocardiography; flow patterns and effective orifice size were better demonstrated by angiocardiography. The subcostal four chamber echocardiographic views and cranially angulated oblique angiocardiographic views were comparable and provided the best images for determination of the size and number of AV valves and their relation to the atrial and ventricular septa.

Cross-sectional echocardiographic assessment of conditions with atrioventricular valve leaflets attached to the atrial septum at the same level

Ninety two patients with both atrioventricular valves attached to the atrial septum, roofing a perimembranous inlet ventricular septal defect, were assessed by cross-sectional echocardiography. In the group, 42 had an isolated perimembranous inlet ventricular septal defect, 31 had atrioventricular discordance, nine an atrioventricular septal defect with intact interatrial septum, and 10 a straddling atrioventricular valve. In all but those with an atrioventricular septal defect the left atrioventricular valve had the appearance of a morphologically mitral valve. In the former lesion the atrioventricular junction was "sprung" and a cleft between the anterior and posterior bridging leaflets was identified in all. A straddling valve was identified by tensor apparatus from one atrioventricular valve in both ventricular chambers. Atrioventricular discordance was diagnosed by identifying the systemic and pulmonary venous atria and then assessing the morphology of the draining atrioventricular valves. Thus, with cross-sectional echocardiography, the constellation of abnormalities that give rise to lack of offsetting of the atrioventricular valves can be reliably identified.

The atrioventricular junction in the univentricular heart: a two-dimensional echocardiographic analysis

The atrioventricular junction of 40 patients with univentricular heart was evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography. The apical 4 chamber view optimally imaged the atrioventricular junction, and allowed determination of the type of atrioventricular connection: double inlet, common atrioventricular orifice, and absent right or left atrioventricular connection. When double inlet to 1 ventricle was demonstrated, the 4 chamber view allowed immediate comparison of the form and function of the right and left atrioventricular valves. Because anomalies of the atrioventricular valves frequently complicate the univentricular heart, two-dimensional echocardiographic assessment is a most important adjunct to the preoperative investigation of these patients.

Detection and assessment of straddling and overriding atrioventricular valves by two dimensional echocardiography

Sixteen patients with a straddling tricuspid and two with a straddling mitral valve were identified by two dimensional echocardiography. In all but one the atrioventricular valves appeared at the same level, indicating absence of the ventriculoatrial septum. A straddling valve was diagnosed by identifying subvalvular apparatus from one atrioventricular valve in both chambers, independent of whether they were ventricles or rudimentary chambers. Further confirmation was obtained during real time study where the valve leaflets appeared to fly through the ventricular septal defect. Overriding of the valve annulus was greater than 50% in 12 and less than 50% in five, with one other patient having none detectable. The relation of the central fibrous body to the tip of the interventricular septum was reliable in assessing overriding of greater than 50%, but where it was less than 50% other views were necessary to detect its presence. The diagnosis of straddling with or without overriding of an atrioventricular valve can be reliably made by two dimensional echocardiography, and carries important implications relating to the type of surgical intervention possible, and in those with a straddling tricuspid valve, the position of the atrioventricular node.

Electrophysiologic delineation of the intraventricular His bundle in two patients with endocardial cushion type of ventricular septal defect

Two patients who had an endocardial cushion type of ventricular septal defect underwent electrophysiologic studies for detection of specialized conduction tissue during operative repair. In one patient, with an inferior leftward frontal plane QRS axis on the ECG, we recorded an intraventricular His bundle electrograms from both the anterosuperior and posteroinferior margins of the defect, suggesting dual atrioventricular conduction tracts (branching intraventricular His bundle). These anatomic and electrophysiologic findings may account for the more normally oriented QRS frontal plane axis on the surface ECG of both of these patients and support the hypothesis that the changes observed on the ECGs of patients with the various forms of endocardial cushion defect can be explained by alterations in the anatomic configuration of the specialized atrioventricular conduction tissue.

Successful repair of straddling atrioventricular valve by technique used for septation of univentricular heart

Straddling atrioventricular valve (SAVV) is a rare anomaly. Only recently have the premortem diagnostic features been elucidated. Repair of the associated ventricular septal defect poses a considerable technical problem. Corrective operations, infrequently reported, have usually involved replacement of the SAVV. This report describes the successful management of a patient with a straddling left atrioventricular valve in whom the valve was preserved by a technique previously used for septation of the univentricular heart. This technique offers a useful alternative to valve replacement in the management of patients with SAVV.

The criss-cross and superoinferior ventricular heart: an angiocardiographic study

The angiocardiographic features of 11 patients with superoinferior and criss-cross type of atrioventricular (A-V) connections are presented. These unusual ventricular relations are thought to result from postseptation disturbances of ventricular looping. The angiocardiographic appearance of criss-cross is really an illusion, and the A-V connections among these patients are either concordant, discordant or straddling. The often small right A-V valve inflow and sinus portion of the ventricle, combind with the ventricular rotational anomaly, combine to give the angiocardiographic perception of criss-cross. A review of the 11 patients from this institution and those previously reported on suggests that most patients have a transposition of malposition of the great arteries; many have a small right ventricle, and about half have pulmonary outflow tract obstruction. In addition to the obvious embryologic, morphologic and clinical implications of these distorted ventricular loops, the criss-cross A-V hearts raise questions about the various segmental nomenclatures applied to these types of congenital heart disease.

The reliability and practicality of single crystal echocardiography in the evaluation of single ventricle. Angiographic and pathological correlates

A prospective clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of single ventricle was made in 42 patients. Each was evaluated for the number of atrioventricular (A/V) valves, presence of an outflow chamber (OC), A/V valve-semilunar continuity, and orientation of the great arteries. Angiographic correlations were subsequently obtained in 40 and autopsies in 12. The overall diagnosis of single ventricle was substantiated in 39. Two other patients diagnosed as single ventricle by angiography were thought to have large ventricular septal defects on echocardiography. Tricuspid valve was interpreted as septum in one. The angiographic diagnosis of single ventricle was incorrect in another, correctly diagnosed by echocardiography and confirmed at pathology. The differential diagnosis also included A-V canal, L-transposition of the great arteries, double outlet right ventricle, and tricuspid atresia. This last condition has to be differentiated on clinical evidence. The echocardiograms were of particular value in determining the number of A/V valves. Two great arteries were demonstrated in 74% of patients and their relationship was correctly determined in 79% of these. Both imaging techniques agreed closely as to A/V valve-semilunar continuity and presence of an OC, but both showed some inaccuracies compared to pathological specimens. The echocardiogram helps both in planning catheterization and in evaluating the overall diagnosis.

Morphological and topographical variations of the outlet chamber in complex congenital heart disease: an angiocardiographic study

The outlet chamber of the human heart can show considerable variations in its morphology and topography (relationship to main ventricular chamber), and such variations in anatomy and spacial relationship may be predictive of the associated intracardiac anatomy. Although there is considerable debate about whether the position of the outlet chamber is indicative of the type of bulboventricular loop (whether D- or L-), a right-sided and anterior outlet chamber has different implications than a left-sided, superior, and more posterior positioned one. The inflows into the outlet chamber can vary anatomically, and progressive changes in the calibers of these communications can adversely alter the natural history. One or both of the greak vessels, or neither, or a persistent truncus arteriosus can originate from the outlet chamber, and any significant morphological change in the outlet chamber may or may not adversely affect either the pulmonary or systemic blood supply, or both. Finally, any consideration of the outlet chamber raises important conceptual difference in terminologies. At present, there is not unanimity as to what constitutes either an outlet chamber (as compared to a "small right ventricle" in tricuspid atresia) or a single (primitive) ventricle. Any discussion of the morphological and topographical variations of the outlet chamber must be viewed with respect to the terminology employed.

Angled views in cineangiocardiography of congenital heart disease

Simple and compound sagittally angled views of the heart obtained cineangiocardiographically with a parallelographic U-arm device were evaluated clinically in 132 patients with congenital heart disease. The principle advantage of the apparatus was the case with which axial and oblique projections were obtained without repositioning of the patient, although rotation and angulation of the image intensifier-X-ray tube unit resulted in some increase in scattered radiation. Certain angled views, particularly the 40 degree cranial and the compound 25 degrees cranial/70 degrees left oblique projections, were better than standard frontal and lateral views for visualization of pulmonary arteries in the mediastinum, in ventricular septal defects and anomalies of the left ventricular outflow tract.

Echocardiography of primitive ventricle

The angiocardiographic, echocardiographic, and, where available, the necropsy findings were correlated in 32 cases of primitive ventricle. Single probe echocardiography was shown to be a reliable and accurate technique for diagnosis of primitive ventricle; the ventricular and atrioventricular valve appearances were characteristic, and the outlet chamber was usually recognised when present, though it was not possible to say whether it was rigt or left sided. Abnormalities of the atrioventricular valves were more accurately shown by echocardiography than by angiocardiography though the two techniques were shown to be complementary in the overall diagnostic process.

Cardiac connections: the segmental approach to radiologic diagnosis in congenital heart disease

The segmental approach to the diagnosis and classification of congenital heart disease, which emphasizes the importance of the connections (proximal-to-distal relationships) of cardiac chambers and great vessels, is presented. The radiologic identification of great vessels and cardiac chambers and their connections is described, considering, in turn, three major segments: the atria together with the systemic and pulmonary veins, the ventricles with their atrioventricular valves and the great arteries with their outflow tracts. Cardiac and great vascular connections can be described with greatest clarity by using the atria as the starting point. The atrial situs is defined as solitus, inversus or ambiguus, the great veins connecting to the atria normally or anomalously. The ventricles may be connected to the atria in concordant or discordant fashion or a double inlet ventricle may be present. The ventriculo-arterial connections can be classified as normal, transposition, double outlet right ventricle or double outlet left ventricle. The angiocardiographic techniques and criteria that differentiate these connection disorders and identify the transitional cases between them are discussed and illustrated. A complete diagnosis must indicate not only the connections of the three major segments but also the malformations and abnormalities of spatial position that may be present. Certain associations are of value in predicting the positions and connections of the cardiac chambers and great vessels, making it possible to formulate helpful rules to aid the progress of a diagnostic study. The fallibility of such rules is discussed, emphasizing the need to define connection disorders in terms of the connections rather than in terms of malformations or of abnormalities in spatial position of the individual parts.

Echocardiographic diagnosis of primitive ventricle with two atrioventricular valves

Anatomical studies have shown that the pathognomonic feature of primitive ventricle is absence of that portion of the interventricular septum which interposes between the atrioventricular valves. The relation of this posterior septum to the atrioventricular valves is such that echocardiography should be a particularly suitable technique for showing its presence or absence. When a posterior septum is present, it is seen on an echocardiogram as a double echo between the two atrioventricular valves. It presence limits posterior movement of the septal cusp of the anterior atrioventricular valve. Absence of the posterior septum should, therefore, be seen echocardiographically as more than mere absence of the double septal echo. It should be possible to show unusual posterior excursion of the "septal" cusp of the anterior atrioventricular valve and apposition of the "septal" cusps of the atrioventricular valves during diastole. In most instances it should also be possible to demonstrate that the posterior great artery is in continuity with both atrioventricular valves. We have shown these echocardiographic features in 26 patients. The diagnosis of primitive ventricle has been confirmed at necropsy or at operation in 4 patients. In the other 22 patients in angiographic data are compatible with a diagnosis of primitive ventricle. Demonstration of these positive features at echocardiography is, therefore, of considerable value in the initial diagnosis of primitive ventricle and in particular its differentiation from other congenital malformations.

Contrast echocardiography in single or common ventricle

Common ventricle is a rare congenital anomaly in which the ventricular chamber receives blood from two separate atrioventricular valves or from a common atrioventricular valve. We used contrast echocardiography during cardiac catheterization to confirm ventricular anatomy and to characterize blood flow dynamics in 35 patients with common ventricle. After injections of dye, a cloud of echoes anterior to the mitral valve echo during the rapid inflow phase of ventricular diastole is indirect evidence of common ventricle with two atrioventricular valves. Common ventricle with an outflow chamber is characterized by a smaller ventricular chamber visualized anterior to both atrioventricular valves which opacifies with subsequent ventricular systole. The arrival of all dye posterior to the only recorded atrioventricular valve further established the presence of a single atrioventricular valve. These contrast flow patterns gave greater specificity to the standard M-mode echocardiographic assessment of patients suspected of having common ventricle.