Two-Dimensional Echocardiography in Idiopathic Enlargement of the Right Atrium

Abstract

A 36-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with exertional dyspnea, palpitation and cardiac enlargement on standard chest X-ray. Physical examination did not reveal any significant abnormality and routine laboratory tests were normal. ECG showed atrial fibrillation and negative T waves in lead III and aVF, with a stiffened ST segment. M-mode echocardiography showed absence of pericardial effusion and normal size of both ventricular chambers. Two-dimensional echocardiography showed a large saccular dilation of the right atrium without significant enlargement of other cardiac chambers. A slight displacement of tricuspid valve leaflets was also present. Cardiac catheterization was effective in the diagnosis of idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium. Although two-dimensional echocardiography has some limitations in the diagnosis of this unusual malformation, it may prove useful in the noninvasive follow-up of these patients, in order to monitor the eventual increase of atrial size and to promptly detect late complications.

Pediatric Giant Right Atrial Aneurysm: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

“…The diagnosis can be difficult as it is easily mistaken for more common anomalies that involve right atrial enlargement. Alternative diagnoses that can mimic GRAA include Ebstein disease, pericardial effusion, pericardial cysts, and tumors …”

“…Alternative diagnoses that can mimic GRAA include Ebstein disease, pericardial effusion, pericardial cysts, and tumors. [5][6][7] Multiple imaging modalities are currently available, but in the pediatric population, the diagnosis of GRAA is often made by transthoracic echocardiography alone. Fetal echocardiography often provides adequate imaging for prenatal diagnosis.…”

Congenital Malformations of the Right Atrium and the Coronary Sinus

“…Three patients initially were suspected to have Ebstein's anomaly. 26,27 A tumor was suspected in one patient, 22 pericardial effusion in two patients, 28,29 and pericardial cysts in three patients. 16,30,31 Morphologic Characteristics Congenital Enlargement of the RA: The enlarged RA was described as being "paper thin" and translucent in several patients.…”

A Rare Case of Asymptomatic Giant Right Atrial Aneurysm: Case Report

“…Alternative diagnoses that can mimic giant right atrial aneurysm include Ebstein disease, pericardial effusion, pericardial cysts, and tumors. 9 It is distinguishable from Ebstein's anomaly with normal placement and function of tricuspid valve. Correct diagnosis is necessary for planning therapy.…”