Transesophageal echocardiography: detection of an acquired left ventricular-right atrial shunt.
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.
Shen
W K
WK
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Khandheria
B K
BK
D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004947:Esophagus; D006346:Heart Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014261:Tricuspid Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*