Left Ventricular Right Atrial Communication

Abstract

Summary: Because of the attachment of medial leaflet of the trisuspid valve at a lower level than the anteromedial leaflet of the mitral valve, the membranous ventricular septum at this point separates the right atrium from the left ventricle. Thus a defect at this place results in a direct left ventricular right atrial shunt. Infravalvular type of defect with a cleft tricuspid valve may result in an indirect left ventricular right atrial communication. The supravalvar defect without a cleft tricuspid valve was first described by Buhi and is the rarest of this group. It has characteristic clinical, electrocardiographic, radiologic haemodyanmic and angiographic characteristics which are described.