Echocardiographic detection of aneurysms of the interventricular septum associated with ventricular septal defect. A method of noninvasive diagnosis and follow-up.

Spontaneous closure of a ventricular septal defect is frequently accompanied by the formation of an aneurysm of the membranous septum. The exact anatomic basis for such an aneurysm varies. Some arise from redundant tissue from the endocardial cushions or from adherence of the tricuspid septal leaflet to the defect; the origin of others cannot be determined. Echocardiographic studies in 17 patients with the diagnosis of ventricular septal defect revealed in 7 an aneurysm of the membranous septum that was later confirmed by angiography. In no patient was an aneurysm missed or erroneously diagnosed in the echocardiographic study. Echocardiography can be a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool in the long-term management of patients with ventricular septal defect.