Case Reports Double-chambered Right Ventricle: Experience of Five Cases

Double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is an uncommon form of right ventricular obstruction. The differential diagnosis of DCRV from other causes of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction is very important. Concomitant membranous ventricular septal defect is found in at least 80 percent of patients. There may be an aneurysmatic pouch in the septuro (MSA). Between December I 996 and April 1998, we operated on five cases of DCRV. Preoperative diagnoses of the first three patients were VSD+MSA, VSD+PS, and VSD+AI, respectively. The diagnosis of DCRV+VSD was established in only the fourth and fifth cases. Mean age of the patients was I 6, and fo ur of the were female. Resection of the anomalous fibrous and muscular bundles and patch closure of the ventricular septal defect was performed in all patients. Concomitant aortic valve replacement was undertaken in one case. Post-repair direct pre~s ure measurements revealed an average gradiyent of 7 mm Hg between the inlet and outlet portions of the right ventricle. Direct measurements of the oxygen saturations showed no shunt on the interventricular septum. lt should be stressed that preoperative diagnosis of DCRV is very important to ensure a safe and adequate repair and to prevent irreversible consequences for the patient's prognosis.