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Atrial shunts: presentation, investigation, and management, including recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 January 2014

Cheryl G. Zvaigzne ,
Andrew G. Howarth  and
David J. Patton
Cheryl G. Zvaigzne
Affiliation:
Stephenson Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
Andrew G. Howarth
Affiliation:
Stephenson Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
David J. Patton*
Affiliation:
Stephenson Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre, Department of Cardiology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
*
Correspondence to: D. J. Patton, Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Canada AB T3B 6A8. Tel: +1 (403) 955 7858; Fax: +1 (403) 955 7621; E-mail: David.Patton@albertahealthservices.ca
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Abstract

Atrial shunts are a common finding in both paediatric and adult populations. Recent developments in advanced imaging have widened the options for diagnosis and evaluation of such shunts. This paper reviews the various types of interatrial communications, discusses the features of clinical presentation in adults and children, and provides an overview of the clinical assessment including physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, cardiac catheterisation, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Focus will be placed on recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging that may improve the non-invasive evaluation of atrial shunts.

Keywords

Atrial shuntreviewdiagnostic imagingmagnetic resonance imaging
Type
Review Articles
Information
Cardiology in the Young , Volume 24 , Issue 3 , June 2014 , pp. 403 - 416
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2014 

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