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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
The mirror image of Gerbode defect: acquired right ventricular-to-left atrial communication
Krit Leemasawat1, Rungsrit Kanjanavanit, Arintaya Phrommintikul
1Cardiovascular Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Abstract:
: Left ventricular-to-right atrial communication, known as Gerbode defect, is rare. However, right ventricular-to-left atrial communication is much rarer. We present a case of a middle-aged woman with a past history of primum atrial septal defect surgery who presented with dyspnea on exertion. Echocardiographic studies showed dehiscence of the pericardial atrial patch from atrioventricular junction, causing a right ventricular-to-left atrial communication with bidirectional shunt. A three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic reconstruction revealed a defect of septal tricuspid valve leaflet. In atrioventricular septal defect, the apical displacement of mitral valve insertion, together with a congenital defect of septal tricuspid valve leaflet, contributes to predisposing conditions for this communication.
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