RVOT
Pronunciation: R-V-O-T
Also written as: RVOT — Right Ventricular Outflow Tract
Right ventricular outflow tract, the pathway through which blood exits the right ventricle toward the pulmonary arteries.
Full Definition
The right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is the anatomical region through which deoxygenated blood flows from the right ventricle to the pulmonary circulation. This area includes the infundibulum (muscular outflow region), pulmonary valve, and main pulmonary artery. In pediatric cardiology, RVOT abnormalities are common and include conditions such as pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary atresia, and tetralogy of Fallot. Assessment of RVOT function and anatomy is crucial in surgical planning and long-term follow-up of patients with congenital heart disease. Dysfunction may manifest as stenosis, regurgitation, or both, often requiring surgical intervention or catheter-based therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Always distinguish from LVOT (left ventricular outflow tract) in documentation; spell out abbreviation in formal reports.
In Context
- "Echocardiography demonstrated severe RVOT obstruction with a peak gradient of 80 mmHg." — Echo report
- "RVOT reconstruction was performed using a pulmonary homograft conduit." — Operative note