[Echocardiographic diagnoses of congenital atrial appendage aneurysm: from fetus to adult]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2015 Apr 28;95(16):1239-41.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To summarize the echocardiograhic features of atrial appendage aneurysm (AAA) in fetuses, children and adults and evaluate the value of echocardiography in the diagnosis of AAA.

Methods: The AAA echocardiographic features of 6 fetuses, 1 child and 4 adults were retrospectively analyzed. And the diagnoses were confirmed by autopsy, postnatal follow-ups, computed tomography (CT) and surgery.

Results: Left atrial appendage aneurysm was more common than right atrial appendage aneurysm. AAA had the same echocardiographic characteristics in fetuses, children and adults. And it was usually combined with other complex cardiac malformations in fetuses while single cardiac abnormality was predominant in children and adults.

Conclusion: Fetuses, children and adults with AAA may be found by echocardiography in time so that echocardigraphy has an important role in diagnosing AAA.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Atrial Appendage*
  • Autopsy
  • Child
  • Echocardiography*
  • Fetus
  • Heart Aneurysm*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital
  • Humans
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed