The usefulness of cross-sectional Doppler flow imaging in the detection of small ventricular septal defects with left-to-right shunt.

Small ventricular septal defects (VSDs) with left to right (L-R) shunt have been difficult to diagnose with conventional ultrasound techniques. Using the cross-sectional Doppler flow imaging system, additional information can be obtained. In a group of 60 patients with a clinical diagnosis of VSD with L-R shunt, the new technique proved valuable, especially in detecting muscular and apical VSDs.