Double Outlet Right Ventricle

Double outlet right ventricle represents a heterogeneous group of cardiac malformations sharing in common an abnormal ventriculoarterial connection usually associated with a VSD. The location of the VSD and the position of the great arteries may vary considerably. 2D echocardiography in the precordial and apical views displays the location and size of the VSD and its relation to the great arteries. The subaortic and subpulmonary outflow tracts can be well displayed from the subcostal window. Colour Doppler echocardiography allows definition of shunting across the VSD, facilitates detection of possible obstructions of the subpulmonary and subaortic outflow and improves examination of the aortic arch for possible obstruction. PW and CW Doppler are required for quantification of possible obstruction of the subpulmonary outflow tract. Evaluation of the subaortic outflow tract in the neonate has to include careful assessment by 2D echo, since severe obstruction may be present despite the absence of a significant Doppler gradient.