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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Elongated eustachian valve dividing the right atrium.
Dylan E Wessman1, Daniel G Blanchard, Andrew M Kahn
1Department of Cardiology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA 92134-3303, USA. dylan.wessman@med.navy.mil
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|February 15, 2011
Summary
An elongated eustachian valve and patent foramen ovale were identified in a patient experiencing syncope. Echocardiography revealed a linear density obstructing inferior vena cava flow in the right atrium.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Syncope necessitates comprehensive cardiac evaluation.
- Transthoracic echocardiography is a key diagnostic tool for cardiac abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male presented with syncope.
- Echocardiography revealed a linear density in the right atrium.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) inflow obstruction was noted, but superior vena cava (SVC) inflow was unobstructed.
Findings:
- Agitated saline injection confirmed functional right atrial separation by the density.
- Contrast crossed the interatrial septum rapidly, indicating a patent foramen ovale.
- The findings are consistent with an elongated eustachian valve.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing uncommon cardiac anomalies.
- Understanding eustachian valve anatomy is crucial for interpreting right atrial dynamics.
- Patent foramen ovale may be implicated in syncopal events.
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