Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2025
14:46
Transthoracic Echocardiographic Examination in the Rabbit Model
Published on: June 1, 2019
12.8K
Retroaortic Anomalous Coronary Artery Visualization on Transthoracic Echocardiogram
Vladimir Cárdenas López1, Pablo Blanco2
1Consultorio Cardiológico Del Sur, Juan Bautista Alberdi, Tucumán Province, Argentina.
Journal of Cardiovascular Echography
|December 13, 2021
Summary
Echocardiography can reveal incidental findings like the retroaortic anomalous circumflex artery (RAC) sign. Awareness of this benign coronary artery variant on TTE prevents misidentification as artifacts or other structures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Cardiac Anatomy
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Incidental findings are frequently observed during echocardiography.
- Arterial hypertension is a common comorbidity in patients undergoing echocardiography.
Observation:
- A transthoracic echocardiogram identified an unusual tubular structure with hyperechoic walls.
- The structure was located on the atrial side of the atrioventricular groove in apical views.
Findings:
- Coronary computed tomography angiography confirmed the structure as a retroaortic anomalous circumflex artery (RAC).
- This finding represents a benign variant of coronary artery anatomy, known as the RAC sign on TTE.
Implications:
- Clinicians should recognize the RAC sign on TTE to avoid misinterpretation.
- Differential diagnoses include artifacts, catheters/leads, or calcified mitral annulus.
- Familiarity with this sign improves diagnostic accuracy in echocardiography.
Keywords:
Coronary vessel anomaliescomputed tomography angiographyincidental findingstransthoracic echocardiographyMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
75
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
75
01:15Thoracic Aorta
850
The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
850
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
41
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
41
01:25Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
276
Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
276
01:25Abdominal Aorta
1.3K
Once the aorta traverses the diaphragmatic plane at the aortic hiatus, it is known as the abdominal aorta. This anatomical structure is positioned leftward of the spinal column, encased within a cocoon of adipose tissue behind the peritoneal cavity. It terminates at the L4 vertebra, where it splits into the common iliac arteries. Prior to this bifurcation, the abdominal aorta gives rise to several vital branches.
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
1.3K
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
415
Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
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...
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...
415