Giant eustachian valve with echocardiographic appearance of divided right atrium

Tex Heart Inst J. 2002;29(4):336-8.

Abstract

The eustachian valve is an embryologic remnant of the valve of the inferior vena cava. It may be prominent in some individuals, but the echocardiographic appearance of a divided right atrium, as the consequence of a large eustachian valve, is extremely rare. Herein we describe an unusual giant eustachian valve with an echocardiographic appearance of a septal structure dividing the right atrium into 2 separate chambers. This abnormality should be differentiated from cor triatriatum dexter, a very rare cardiac malformation for which it could be mistaken.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Echocardiography*
  • Female
  • Heart Atria / abnormalities
  • Heart Atria / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Atria / embryology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / abnormalities
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / embryology*