Pediatric tele-echocardiography in the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases in a regional referral hospital in eastern Bhutan.
Date
2015-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Introduction: Congenital Heart Diseases are the commonest birth defects and the most common reason for out-country
referral of pediatric patients in Bhutan.Without any qualified pediatric cardiologists in the country, early diagnosis
and appropriate care of pediatric cardiac patients is often delayed or inappropriate. Collaboration through telemedicine
between general pediatrician and pediatric cardiologist can improve the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases in
Bhutan. Methods: Pediatric patients clinically suspected to have congenital heart diseases underwent Echocardiography
at Mongar regional referral hospital. The Echocardiograms, performed by general pediatrician, were e-mailed
to Pediatric Cardiologist working in UK, who gave the diagnosis after viewing the Echo-loops. This was compared
with the final diagnosis made at tertiary cardiac centre in India.Results: 30 echocardiograms performed by general
pediatrician at Mongar Hospital in eastern Bhutan were mailed to Pediatric Cardiologist working in UK. Of the thirty
cases, 20 required no immediate referral and were put on medications and follow up plans. 10 of the 30 cases required
early referral to tertiary care hospital in India. There was excellent concordance between the diagnosis made through
tele-echocardiology and the final diagnosis made at tertiary cardiac centre. Conclusions: Tele-echocardiography
between a general Pediatrician and a Pediatric Cardiologist can greatly enhance the diagnosis of congenital heart
diseases in children.
Description
Keywords
Monggar hospital, Pediatric cardiology, Tele-echocardiography, Telemedicine
Citation
Bhandari Purushotam, Morawakkorala Ruwan. Pediatric tele-echocardiography in the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases in a regional referral hospital in eastern Bhutan. Bhutan Health Journal. 2015 Nov; 1(1): 70-73.