Atrial septal defect echocardiography sinus venosus


 * 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]

For a full discussion on sinus venosus defects click here. For a full discussion on the usage of echocardiography for atrial septal defect diagnosis click here.

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,. Sinus venosus atrial septal defect has posterior location. Due to this, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) becomes more suitable for diagnosing it because of the proximity of the transducer to the defect.

Echocardiography and Sinus Venosus Defects
Studies have found transesophageal echocardiography to be superior in diagnosing sinus venosus ASD compared to transthoracic echocardiography.

An sinus venosus defect can be identified on an echocardiogram in many ways.
 * A subcostal 4 chamber view by paying special attention to the superior and posterior portions of the atria.
 * Can be visualized at the top of the septum near the insertion of the superior vena cava where it occurs.



'''Trans-esophageal echocardiography showing sinus venosus type of atrial septal defect. In this type of atrial septal defect the common wall between the coronary sinus and the left atrium is not developed. A sinus venosus ASD is a type of atrial septum defect in which the defect in the septum involves the venous inflow of either the superior vena cava or the inferior vena cava.'''



Unroofed coronary sinus atrial septal defect 2D and 3D Echo



Image showing echocardiographic view of sinus venosus type of atrial septal defect

Useful Links
Yale Congenital Heart Disease- ASD