A sinus venosus atrial septal defect is diagnosed by echocardiography with an unusual bubble study

Echocardiography. 2013 Jul;30(6):E182-3. doi: 10.1111/echo.12191. Epub 2013 Apr 1.

Abstract

A 68-year-old man underwent echocardiogram with agitated saline for a presumed diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension. Surprisingly, the bubbles from the agitated saline enter the left heart before filling the right side, leading to a diagnosis of Eisenmeger's syndrome from a sinus venosus atrial septal defect. Because of high right-sided pressure, the bubbles preferentially travel from the superior vena cava through the defect to the right superior pulmonary vein and left atrium, rather than the right side. This diagnosis was later confirmed on cardiac MRI.

Keywords: Eisenmeger's syndrome; contrast echocardiography; sinus venosus atrial septal defect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Eisenmenger Complex / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbubbles*
  • Sodium Chloride*

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride

Supplementary concepts

  • Atrial Septal Defect Sinus Venosus