The role of echocardiography in assessing the functional class of the patient with Ebstein's anomaly.

In 23 patients with Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve, the functional class of the patients has been related to the echocardiographic parameters generally used to diagnose this disorder. These are the extent of apical displacement of the tricuspid valve and the delay in tricuspid valve closure time related to that of the mitral valve. In addition, the functional class of the patients has also been evaluated in relation to the severity of tricuspid valve insufficiency and to the presence or absence of associated cardiac abnormalities. The study revealed that the echocardiographic parameters i.e. the degree of apical displacement of the tricuspid valve and the delayed closure time of the tricuspid valve have no predictive value for the patient's clinical condition. On the other hand, both tricuspid valve insufficiency and the presence of additional anomalies have a direct correlation with the well-being of the patient.