Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Imaging-based right-atrial anatomy by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and three-dimensional
Francesco Fulvio Faletra1, Stefano Muzzarelli, Maria Cristina Dequarti
1Division of Cardiology, Fondazione Cardiocentro Ticino, Via Tesserete 48, CH-6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Nowadays computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and tridimensional transoesophageal echocardiography provide anatomic images of right-atrial structures with an impressive richness of anatomical details. It is therefore surprising that these techniques are not routinely used as complementary tools in teaching anatomy. This review aims to fill this gap showing the normal anatomy of right atrium as displayed by these sophisticated imaging techniques. A better understanding of right-atrial anatomy is crucial for the treatment of primary right-atrium electrical disorders as well as for catheter-based interventions for structural heart disease. The success of these procedures is, in fact, related to an accurate anatomical pre-procedural assessment. In this review, we describe the normal anatomy and variants of those right-atrial structures relevant for both ablationists and interventionalists.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for diagnosing...

