Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Uncommon acquired Gerbode defect (left ventricular to right atrial communication) following a tricuspid annuloplasty
Réza Dadkhah1, Alain Friart, Jean-Louis Leclerc
1Division of Cardiology, Tivoli University Hospital, Max Buset Avenue 34, 7100 La Louviere, Belgium. dadkhah@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Left ventricular (LV) to right atrial (RA) communication, also known as Gerbode defect, is very rare, usually congenital but sometimes also acquired. Cases of Gerbode defect have been reported after left valve surgery, usually valve replacement. We describe the first case of LV-RA communication following a tricuspid annuloplasty not combined to a left valve surgery. The case we report concerns a 73-year-old woman who underwent a double-valve surgery (pulmonary valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty) for symptomatic severe right heart failure due to post-endocarditis pulmonary valve regurgitation. A LV-RA shunt was discovered 1 year after surgery. This case report confirms the responsibility of a tricuspid annuloplasty in an acquired LV-RA shunt.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

