Coarctation of the Aorta: Quantitative Analysis by Transesophageal Echocardiography

Summary Transesophageal echocardiography and standard two-dimensional echocardiography were performed in 15 patients with suspected coarctation of the aorta. Aortic diameters and crosssectional areas were determined by means of TEE and compared with clinical findings and catheterization data. The isthmus of the aorta could be imaged in all patients using TEE, but in only seven patients using standard suprasternal echocardiography. Compared with controls, aortic diameters were narrowed in 9 of 15 patients, and cross-sectional areas were reduced in 13 of 15. There was a satisfactory correlation between TEE data and angiographic and hemodynamic data. TEE is a promising method of a diagnosing and quantifying coarctation of the aorta, and is more sensitive than conventional two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.