More than just the "Q-tip sign"

J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2001 Aug;14(8):832-3. doi: 10.1067/mje.2001.110373.

Abstract

In the early days of transesophageal echocardiography, the "Q-tip sign" was occasionally mistaken for a left atrial mass. This area is now well recognized as a normal anatomic landmark dividing the left atrial appendage from the left upper pulmonary vein. However, in this report we describe 2 patients in whom pathology was found in this area, which should not be overlooked.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Appendage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Appendage / pathology
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
  • Female
  • Fibroma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fibroma / pathology
  • Fibroma / surgery
  • Heart Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Neoplasms / pathology
  • Heart Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Myxoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Myxoma / pathology
  • Myxoma / surgery
  • Pulmonary Veins / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Veins / pathology