J Cardiovasc Ultrasound.  2009 Sep;17(3):96-98. 10.4250/jcu.2009.17.3.96.

A Case of Right Atrial Aneurysm Incidentally Found in Old Age

• Yoon JW
• Kim HJ
• Lee SH
• Kim KY
• Choi SU
• Bae SK
• Kim KR
• Kim HS
• Hur KH

• KMID: 1473733
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4250/jcu.2009.17.3.96

Abstract

Right atrial aneurysm is a rare abnormality of unknown origin. Approximately half of patients with right atrial aneurysm show no symptoms. Right atrial aneurysm is usually detected by chance at any time between fetal and adult life and can be associated with atrial arrhythmia and systemic embolism. The diagnosis of right atrial aneurysm can be established with echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Because of thromboembolic risk, aneurysmectomy is usually recommended. We review the case report of a 69-year-wold woman with right atrial appendiceal aneurysm, whose diagnosis was established by echocardiography and CT angiography.

Keyword

Right atrial aneurysm; Transesophageal echocardiography; CT angiography

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aneurysm
Angiography
Arrhythmias, Cardiac
Echocardiography
Echocardiography, Transesophageal
Embolism
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Figure

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  Fig. 1 ECG shows normal sinus rhythm. ECG: electrocardiography

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  Fig. 2 Cardiomegaly and right lower cardiac border bulging (arrow tip) was found at Chest PA. Lung parenchyma was normal. PA: posteroanterior.

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  Fig. 3 A: TTE shows aneurysm of the right atrial appendage producing compression of the right ventricle in diastole phase. B: TEE shows relation of right atrial appendiceal aneurysm and right atrium. C: In TEE, spontaneous echo contrast (arrow tip) swirling inside aneurysm was observed. RA: right atrium, RV: right ventricle, LA: left atrium, LV: left ventricle, AN: aneurysm, Ao: aorta, TTE: transthoracic echocardiography, TEE: transesophageal echocardiography.

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  Fig. 4 Cardiac coronary MDCT angiography shows 9.0 cm×5.2 cm×5.0 cm aneurysm of the right atrial appendage. MDCT: multi-detector computed tomography, RA: right atrium, RV: right ventricle, LV: left ventricle, AN: aneurysm.

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