Detection of sinus venosus atrial septal defect by two-dimensional echocardiography

In a 4-year period, 10 patients (mean age, 3.6 years) with a superior type sinus venosus atrial septal defect were investigated by two-dimensional echocardiography. The defects were easily visualized in all patients using a long axis vena cava superior-inferior plane with a subcostal approach, while the atrial septum seemed to be intact in the coronal plane conventionally used for atrial septal defects of the primum or secundum type. Additional colour flow mapping, performed in two patients, demonstrated shunting across the depicted defect. In our experience, the modified plane is of great diagnostic value in cases with a sinus venosus defect.