Congenital heart malformations: sequential angiographic analysis.

Abstract

A segmental angiographic analysis of congenital heart malformations has been developed with the intention of making evaluation of complex congenital heart anomalies as comprehensive as possible. Each vascular and cardiac segment is analyzed sequentially, considering morphology, connections, and relations. Additional associated cardiovascular abnormalities such as shunts, stenoses, hypoplasias, and atresias are also considered. Information analyzed and presented in this way has more immediate anatomic and physiologic meaning than ambiguous terms, often with obscure embryologic implications. Disagreements regarding definitions and nomenclature will continue; however, a logical framework that allows clear communication among cardiologists, surgeons, and angiographers is absolutely necessary and is provided by the orderly analysis presented here.