Is Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Useful in Evaluation of Atrial Septal Defects?

Of all birth defects, Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) remains the most prevalent. These malformations are largely multifactorial with both environmental and genetic components, but known chromosomal abnormalities and mutations of single genes account for less than 10% of all cardiac defects (1). They affect approximately 6 to 13 newborns per 1000 live births (2) and are made up of 5 major Atrial Septal Defects (ASDs), including primum and secundum type defects, sinus venosus and coronary sinus defects, and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO).