VENTRICULAR SEPTAL-DEFECT MASQUERADING AS SEVERE TRICUSPID REGURGITATION - A CASE-REPORT AND LITERATURE-REVIEW

Two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D) is a useful technique for nonin vasive evaluation cardiac structure, function, and hemodynamics; howev er, multiple factors may limit the technical adequacy of the 2-D exami nation. In this article, we present the case of a ventricular septal d efect to right atrial shunt, which was misinterpreted as severe tricus pid regurgitation secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension, despite the absence of right ventricular enlargement or hypertrophy. A transes ophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination teas performed to explain the discrepancy between the 2-D and Doppler findings, the results of w hich are discussed, along with a review of the literature. (ECHOCARDIO GRAPHY, Volume 15, January 1998).