Primary pulmonary hypertension: M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiographic findings

In two young men subsequently found to have primary pulmonary hypertension, echocardiographic findings suggested an atrial septal defect. Additionally, contrast echocardiography demonstrated right-to-left shunting at the atrial level. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated severe pulmonary hypertension with patent foramen ovale. Thus, primary pulmonary hypertension may result in findings similar to atrial septal defect on echocardiography, particularly if a foramen ovale is present.