Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography to evaluate a Gerbode defect

Abstract

The Gerbode Defect is a rare form of intracardiac shunt from the left ventricle to the right atrium resulting from a defect in the membranous portion of the inter-ventricular septum. This defect can be congenital or acquired, with acquired causes including complications of aortic valve replacements and endocarditis. Intraoperative real time transesophageal echocardiography and 3D echocardiography are vital for diagnosis and anatomic characterization of the shunt. A thorough understanding of echocardiography is necessary to visualize the shunt across various anatomic planes which aids in surgical correction.