A CXR (Chest X-Ray) of a child with<unk>  There are three different useful diagnostic tests used for the diagnosis of<unk> . These include a chest radiograph, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. The echocardiography determines the final diagnosis and typically offers enough information for surgical treatment planning. About half of all patients are now diagnosed before they are born. Differential diagnosis is when physicians diagnose between two or more conditions for a person's symptoms and this can include primary pulmonary causes of cyanosis, cyanotic heart lesions, pulmonary stenosis and transposed arterial trunks. Chest radiograph Before more sophisticated techniques became available, chest x-ray was the definitive method of diagnosis. The abnormal "coeur-en-sabot" (boot-like) appearance of a heart with<unk>  is classically visible via chest x-ray, although most infants with<unk>  may not show this finding. The boot like shape is due to the right ventricular hypertrophy present in<unk> . Lung fields are often dark (absence of interstitial lung markings) due to decreased pulmonary blood flow. Electrocardiogram An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most basic procedures for assessing the heart. Tiny electrodes are applied to specific areas on the body, near the chest, arm, and neck. Lead cables connect the electrodes to an ECG machine. The heart's electrical activity is then measured. Natural electrical impulses help maintain blood flowing properly by coordinating contractions in different areas of the heart. These impulses are recorded by an ECG, which shows how fast, the rhythm, intensity and timing of the electrical impulses as they travel through the heart. Electrocardiography shows right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), along with right axis deviation. RVH is noted on EKG as tall R-waves in lead V1 and deep S-waves in lead V5-V6. Echocardiogram Congenital heart defects are now diagnosed with echocardiography, which is quick, involves no radiation, is very specific, and can be done prenatally. Echocardiography establishes the presence of<unk>  by demonstrating a VSD, RVH, and aortic override. Many patients are diagnosed prenatally. Color Doppler (type of echocardiography) measures the degree of pulmonary stenosis. Additionally, close monitoring of the ductus arteriosus is done in the neonatal period to ensure that there is adequate blood flow through the pulmonary valve. In certain cases, coronary artery anatomy cannot be clearly viewed using echocardiogram. In this case, cardiac catheterization can be done. Genetics From a genetics perspective, it is important to screen for DiGeorge in all babies with<unk> .
Tetralogy of Fallot
Cœur en sabot
Trilogy of Fallot
Double aortic arch
Transposition of the great vessels
Levo-Transposition of the great arteries
Dextro-Transposition of the great arteries
Persistent truncus arteriosus