BMJ Case Rep

. 2021 Sep 3;14(9):e244023. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34479892/

Saline contrast echocardiography complements cardiac interventions in neonates with transposition of great arteries and abnormal ductus venosus anatomy

Monika Kantilal Kotecha ¹, Jonathan Tze Liang Choo ¹, Sreekanthan Sundararaghavan ²Affiliations expand

• PMID: 34479892
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-244023

Abstract

We present a rare case of premature low birthweight neonate with right diaphragmatic hernia and transposition of great vessels requiring balloon atrial septostomy. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia poses a unique challenge to umbilical venous catheterisation. Based on the radiographic position of umbilical vein catheter, umbilical venous cannulation was attempted; however, the catheter could not be navigated to the right atrium. Saline contrast echocardiography was used to delineate the abnormal umbilical and ductus venosus drainage. Eventually, the procedure was successfully completed via the femoral venous approach. We emphasise the importance of defining ductus venosus anatomy and umbilical venous drainage using a simple tool like saline contrast echocardiography before performing catheterisation using the umbilical venous access in such cases.

Keywords: clinical diagnostic tests; congenital disorders; interventional cardiology; neonatal intensive care; ultrasonography.

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