Question
How should the results of a newborn heart ultrasound be interpreted?
Answer
The results of a newborn heart ultrasound include normal diameters of the atria and ventricles and normal valve morphology, normal wall motion, but there is a 12-millimeter defect in the mid-interventricular septum, an echogenic defect in the membranous part of the interventricular septum of 5 millimeters, color Doppler showing shunting at the level of the ventricles, increased pulmonary artery pressure, and mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. What medical assistance is needed for such results? What are the best timing for surgery, the hospital for surgery, and the surgical plan?
Answer
The best timing for surgery depends on several factors, including the complexity of the congenital defect, the child’s age and weight, overall growth and development, and nutritional status. For simple congenital heart defects, surgery is recommended between 1 to 5 years of age because younger age or low weight can increase the risk of surgery; while older age or increased pulmonary artery pressure can also increase the difficulty of surgery. For cases with high pulmonary artery pressure or congenital defects that significantly affect growth and development, surgery should be performed early without age restrictions.