Advantages and disadvantages of invasive and non-invasive examination techniques in 11 horses with ventricular septal defects

The present study shows different echocardiographic methods and Shunt volume calculations used in investigation and grading of ventricular septal defects. Invasive (ultrasound) and non-invasive examination (heart catheter) techniques were compared. Eleven horses, between one month and eight years old, with ventricular septal defects, were examined with conventional and colour doppler technique for shunt volume calculation. Cardiac blood pressure and partial oxygen pressure were measured in different localizations by heart catheterization and a calculation of shunt volume was also carried out. The results were compared and the diagnostic value of each method was discussed.