Transesophageal echocardiography: detection of an acquired left ventricular-right atrial shunt

J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 1991 Mar-Apr;4(2):199-202. doi: 10.1016/s0894-7317(14)80533-6.

Abstract

Communication between the left ventricle and right atrium has a reported prevalence of less than 1%. Acquired left ventricular--right atrial shunt is caused by chest trauma or valvular surgery. A case of acquired left ventricular--right atrial shunt after aortic valve surgery is reported. The detection was possible by use of echo-Doppler, color flow imaging, and transesophageal echocardiography. Combined use of these modalities and multiple transducer positions when transthoracic echocardiography is used are recommended to make the diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Valve / surgery*
  • Cardiomyopathies / diagnostic imaging
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Echocardiography, Doppler
  • Esophagus
  • Heart Septum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tricuspid Valve / diagnostic imaging*