[Study of tetralogy of Fallot by echocardiography].

Twelve patients with a Fallot's tetralogy proved by a haemodynamic and angiographic examination were studied by echography, a non invasive technique. The diameters of the right and left ventricles, of the left atrium and of the aorta were measured. The movements of the interventricular septum and the position of the aorta in relation to it were analysed. Moreover, by scanning of the left ventricle an opening was looked for in the septum. The ventricular septal defect together with a dilatation of the right ventricle and a more or less intense dilatation of the root of the aorta were found in all cases. In 10 cases, an aorta overriding the septum was observed, and this was the more obvious the older the child. In the two post-operative cases studied, the septum was found to be in line with the aorta. There are therefore echocardiographic criteria making it possible to diagnose Fallot's tetralogy. These criteria are the more obvious the older the child.