[Echocardiographic changes in a defect of the interatrial septum]

The echocardiographic changes in 43 patients with defects of the interrauricular septum, confirmed by catherization were studied. In 42 out of 43 (98%) cases considerably enlarged dimensions of the right ventricle and right auricle were found. Paradoxical movement of the interventricular septum was found in 39 out of 43 (91%) cases. The paradoxical movement of the interventricular septum is characterized by a considerable amplitude towards the right venticle. The tricupid valve shows an increased amplitude of opening (CE), enlarged A wave, accelerated speed of opening (OE segment), accelerated speed of backward movement in early diastole (EG segment) and decelerated closing (AC segment). The enlarged dimensions of the right ventricle, the paradoxical movements of interventricular septum and the changes of the tricupid valve are a characteristic EchoC-triad, never absent in the hemodynamically significant volume loading of right ventricle, originating from the left-right shunt at an auricle level.