Atrial septal defect echocardiography


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org]

Overview
Echocardiography is the preferred diagnostic tool in the evaluation of an atrial septal defect. Out of the different types of echocardiographic modalities that can be used, transesophageal echocardiography can be used for all types of atrial septal defects. Trials have shown transesophageal echocardiography to be superior in diagnosing sinus venosus ASD compared to transthoracic echocardiography. Other modalities like transthoracic echocardiography can be used for identification of the secundum type of atrial septal defects. During imaging the entire atrial septum from the orifice of the superior vena cava to the orifice of the inferior vena cava should be visualized. This helps in detecting sinus venosus defects and large ostium secundum defects that might extend up to that area. As an evaluative tool, echocardiograms can: locate the defects, identify the direction of shunting, identify associated anomalies, evaluate atrial and ventricular enlargement. In general, an atrial septal defect patient will present symptomatic evidence of hemodynamic disruptions between the left and right atrium.

Echocardiography
Echocardiography is the preferred diagnostic imaging method for the evaluation of many congenital heart diseases, including atrial septal defect. An echocardiogram allows for identification of the functional issues with the heart's anatomy. In suspected atrial septal defect patients, an echocardiogram can locate the defect, identify the direction of shunting, associated anomalies, evaluate atrial and ventricular enlargement.

Doppler
Videos showing echocardiographic findings in specific defects:

Ostium primum | Ostium secundum | Patent foramen ovale | Sinus venosus