What defines double outlet right ventricle (DORV) on fetal echocardiography?

Prepare for the Fetal Echocardiography Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions that come with hints and explanations. Ace your exam preparation!

Multiple Choice

What defines double outlet right ventricle (DORV) on fetal echocardiography?

In this scenario, the fundamental idea is how the great arteries connect to the ventricles. Double outlet right ventricle is defined by both great arteries arising predominantly from the right ventricle, and there is usually a ventricular septal defect that provides a route for blood between the ventricles to reach the outlets. On fetal echo you would see both the aorta and the pulmonary artery emanating from the RV, with a VSD tying the LV blood flow into those outlets. This combination—two outlets from the RV with a VSD—is what distinguishes DORV. The other descriptions don’t fit this pattern: having both great arteries from the left ventricle would not be DORV; one great artery from each ventricle with an intact septum describes normal ventriculoarterial alignment; and a single great artery points to persistent truncus arteriosus.

In this scenario, the fundamental idea is how the great arteries connect to the ventricles. Double outlet right ventricle is defined by both great arteries arising predominantly from the right ventricle, and there is usually a ventricular septal defect that provides a route for blood between the ventricles to reach the outlets. On fetal echo you would see both the aorta and the pulmonary artery emanating from the RV, with a VSD tying the LV blood flow into those outlets. This combination—two outlets from the RV with a VSD—is what distinguishes DORV.

The other descriptions don’t fit this pattern: having both great arteries from the left ventricle would not be DORV; one great artery from each ventricle with an intact septum describes normal ventriculoarterial alignment; and a single great artery points to persistent truncus arteriosus.

More practice questions