Fetal Diagnosis in a Unique Case of Vascular and Cardiac Interdependence in Omphaloischiopagus Conjoined Twins.

• Cardiac interdependence in conjoined twins is a rare phenomenon. • Presence of congenital heart disease may be an important prognostic factor. • There is high risk of high-output heart failure and pulmonary hypertension in the donor twin.

A Summary of the American Society of Echocardiography Foundation Value-Based Healthcare: Summit 2014: The Role of Cardiovascular Ultrasound in the New Paradigm.

Value-Based Healthcare: Summit 2014 clearly achieved the three goals set forth at the beginning of this document. First, the live event informed and educated attendees through a discussion of the evolving value-based healthcare environment, including a collaborative effort to define the important role of cardiovascular ultrasound in that environment. Second, publication of these Summit proceedings in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography will inform a wider audience of the important insights gathered.

The Miniaturized Multiplane Micro-Transesophageal Echocardiographic Probe: A Comparative Evaluation of Its Accuracy and Image Quality.

Background: The initial experience with the miniaturized multiplane micro-transesophageal echocardiographic probe (MTEE) reported high-quality diagnostic imaging in small infants. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy and image quality of the intraoperative MTEE with the pediatric multiplane transesophageal echocardiographic probe (PTEE).

Methods: Infants weighing <5 kg who underwent intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography were identified.

Echocardiography of the tricuspid and pulmonary valve in children.

Diseases of the tricuspid and pulmonary valve are common in childhood. These include congenital anomalies, acquired lesions, and secondary valve compromise due to left heart disease. A comprehensive and methodical approach to the echocardiographic assessment of these diseases of the tricuspid and pulmonary valve is necessary for best care of children with these conditions.

Echocardiography of transposition of the great arteries.

The successful diagnosis, surgical planning, and long-term care of children with transposition of the great arteries require high-quality cardiac imaging with echocardiography. Echocardiography must identify the relevant anatomic variants of transposition of the great arteries, such as of ventricular septal defects and aortic arch anomalies. Methodical and detailed imaging of the coronary arteries is particularly important, as translocation of the coronary arteries is a critical component of the arterial switch procedure.

Examination of hyperlucent foci and clinical outcomes in pediatric cardiac patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: A number of cardiac patients on venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) at our institution were found to have hyperlucent foci evident on echocardiography. However, the clinical significance of these findings is not known.

Methods: To investigate this phenomenon further we undertook a retrospective analysis to determine the prevalence and clinical implications of hyperlucent foci in children supported with VA-ECMO.

Echocardiography of the aortopulmonary window, aorto-ventricular tunnels, and aneurysm of the sinuses of Valsalva.

There is a collection of rare congenital cardiac defects that can produce significant haemodynamic embarrassment. Owing to their rarity, these lesions may be overlooked or mistaken for other more common congenital cardiac defects. Using careful segmental echocardiographic techniques, such as multiple planes of imaging and inferential Doppler findings, it is possible to identify these lesions and thus plan surgical management.