The mirror image of Gerbode defect: Acquired right ventricular-to-left atrial communication

• Main Authors: Leemasawat K., Kanjanavanit R., Phrommintikul A.
• Format: Journal
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84903329622&origin=inward; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/41234
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

© 2017 Italian Federation of Cardiology. All rights reserved. Left ventricular-to-right atrial communication, known as Gerbode defect, is rare. However, right ventricular-to-left atrial communication is much rarer. We present a case of a middle-aged woman with a past history of primum atrial septal defect surgery who presented with dyspnea on exertion. Echocardiographic studies showed dehiscence of the pericardial atrial patch from atrioventricular junction, causing a right ventricular-to-left atrial communication with bidirectional shunt. A three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic reconstruction revealed a defect of septal tricuspid valve leaflet. In atrioventricular septal defect, the apical displacement of mitral valve insertion, together with a congenital defect of septal tricuspid valve leaflet, contributes to predisposing conditions for this communication.