Crista terminalis bridge: a rare variant mimicking right atrial mass

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Anatomy
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• The crista terminalis is a normal anatomical structure within the right atrium.
• Variations in its prominence can lead to diagnostic challenges.
• Distinguishing anatomical variants from pathological findings is crucial for patient management.

Observation:

• This case report details a rare presentation of a prominent crista terminalis forming a thick muscular bridge in the right atrium.
• The structure mimicked intracardiac masses such as tumors, thrombi, or vegetations on initial assessment.

Findings:

• Echocardiography, particularly 2D and 3D modalities, is effective in identifying the prominent crista terminalis.
• The characteristic appearance on echocardiography allows for differentiation from actual cardiac masses.
• Accurate imaging can confirm the benign nature of this anatomical variant.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of prominent crista terminalis avoids unnecessary invasive procedures and treatments.
• Enhanced understanding of cardiac anatomy improves diagnostic accuracy in echocardiography.
• This finding highlights the importance of recognizing normal anatomical variations to prevent misdiagnosis of cardiac tumors or thrombi.