Echocardiographic assessment of conjoined twins with congenital heart disease in Shanghai.

摘要: Background: The aim of this study is to improve the diagnosis congenital heart disease in conjoined twins using echocardiography. Methods: Six sets at Shanghai Children's Medical Center and Xin-Hua Hospital from 1980 2006 were assessed retrospectively. Cardiac anomalies varying degrees severity first evaluated 2D Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) was then performed if fused ventricles suspected. Peak systolic velocities, peak strain rates, strains myocardium quantitatively measured rate (SRI). If M-mode echocardiographic image poor or difficult measure, myocardial performance index (MPI) left ventricle calculated. Results: Intracardiac diagnosed correctly echocardiography confirmed by surgical findings. functional assessment MPI demonstrated failure three out eight individuals. Subtle conjunction ventricles, however, more visualize two with hearts could not be clearly In one case suspected ventricular wall conjunction, TDI showed separate myocardia which surgery. Conclusions: function can readily echocardiography, but subtle may visualize. required there uncertainty about degree cardiac fusion. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 26, July 2009)