Eustachain valve
Eustachian valve is the valve of the inferior vena caval opening into the right atrium. It is an incomplete valve and can be seen as an echogenic ridge within the right atrium on two dimensional echocardiography.
Chiari network
Chiari network is a vestigial structure and is seen as strand like structures within the right atrial cavity on echocardiography.
Plethora of inferior vena cava (IVC)
IVC plethora is lack of the normal inspiratory collapse of the IVC on echocardiography. Normally the IVC diameter decreases about 50% during inspiration. IVC plethora is seen in right heart failure and constrictive pericarditis.
Traffic jam sign
Multiple echogenic shadows are seen moving to and fro in the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava in cases of constrictive pericarditis and is called the traffic jam sign.
Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC)
Spontaneous echo contrast is often seen in left atrium in mitral stenosis. It is thought to be a fore runner of thrombus. SEC can be seen in right atrium in endomyocardial fibrosis. SEC in left ventricle is rare and can occasionally be seen in left ventricular aneurysm. SEC also sometimes called smoke. It is seen as multiple tiny echogenic spots with a swirling movement.
Types of atrial septal defect (ASD)
The types of ASD are: Primum ASD, secundum ASD (also called fossa ovalis type of defect), superior vena caval type of ASD near the orifice of the superior vena cava, inferior vena caval type of ASD near the opening of the inferior vena cava (IVC) without an IVC rim and a coronary sinus type of defect. Primum ASD is associated with cleft anterior mitral leaflet and mitral regurgitation. Superior vena caval defect is associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. Primum ASD is part of the endocardial cushion defect and atrioventricular septum is absent and the AV valves are at the same level.