Ebstein's Anomaly

Overview

Mayo Clinic has expertise and experience in treating Ebstein's anomaly and other congenital heart diseases. Mayo physicians have treated thousands of patients with congenital heart diseases over the past 60 years. Cardiologists, surgeons and other specialists in the Center for Congenital Heart Defects work closely to provide state-of-the-art care in an efficient and coordinated way. Mayo also conducts research to determine the most effective treatment strategies.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Ebstein's anomaly is usually confirmed with an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Other tests may include:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG), which shows atrial enlargement and abnormal right heart conduction (right bundle branch block).
• An X-ray of the chest to look for heart enlargement.
• Cardiac catheterization (injection of a special dye into the heart to show how the heart is functioning) and testing of the electrical system (electrophysiology study) may be used in a select cases.

Treatment Options

Treatment of Ebstein's anomaly depends on the severity of the defect and the patient's symptoms. Observation and monitoring by a cardiologist is the usual strategy for people without symptoms or heart rhythm disturbances. Medication may be prescribed to enhance heart contraction and control abnormal heart rhythm. Surgical repair is recommended when symptoms are troublesome or when the heart begins to enlarge and overall heart function begins to decrease. Read more about Ebstein's Anomaly treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Ebstein's Anomaly

Abnormalities Related to Ebstein's Anomaly

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Ebstein's anomaly is an uncommon congenital defect occurring in less than one percent of patients with congenital heart disease. The defect primarily involves the tricuspid valve. Fifty percent of people with Ebstein's anomaly also have a hole in the heart (atrial septal defect or ASD) and about one in four people have episodes of fast heartbeats (tachycardia). Learn more about abnormalities related to Ebstein's anomaly.

Read more at www.MayoClinic.com, a service of Mayo Foundation for Education and Research