Overview
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common inborn defect, affecting approximately 1% of newborns 1. The prevalence of CHD has shifted towards the adult population, with an increasing number of adults living with these conditions 1. Adult patients with CHD present unique diagnostic and management challenges due to complex cardiac morphology, prior interventions, and altered hemodynamics 1.Diagnosis
Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) offers improved visualization of complex cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics in adult CHD 1.
3DE provides incremental information beyond routine echocardiography for diagnosis and follow-up of CHD 1.
3DE is useful for interventional and surgical planning and guidance in adult CHD 1.Management
Management of adult CHD requires consideration of complex underlying cardiac morphology, previous operations, and hemodynamic conditions 1.
3DE can aid in planning and guiding interventions and surgical procedures for CHD 1.Special Populations
The prevalence of CHD has shifted from childhood to adulthood, with an increasing number of adult patients living with CHD 1.
3DE is particularly relevant for the diagnosis and follow-up of CHD in the adult population 1.Key Recommendations
Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a clinically useful tool that provides incremental information and complements routine echocardiographic examination in adult congenital heart disease 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
The advantages of 3DE, including more accurate visualization of anatomic structures and the ability to obtain a complete view from multiple perspectives, are especially relevant for the diagnosis and follow-up of CHD in the adult population 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
3DE is valuable for interventional and surgical planning and guidance in adult CHD 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Surkova E, Brida M, Muraru D, van den Bosch A, Elsayed HM, Li W et al.. Three-dimensional echocardiography in adults with congenital heart disease: a scientific statement of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Adult Congenital Heart Disease and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the European Society of Cardiology. European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging 2025. link