ECHOGENIC STRUCTURES IN THE LEFT ATRIOVENTRICULAR GROOVE - DIAGNOSTICPITFALLS

A variety of echogenic structures that can be detected by echocardiogr aphy in the left atrioventricular groove are best seen in the paraster nal long-axis view and can be missed if not carefully looked for. Norm al anatomic structures or variants can be seen, for example, dilated c oronary sinus, persistent left superior vena cava, or lipomatous tissu e. Degenerative or inflammatory processes of the mitral annulus (calci fication of the mitral annulus, mitral annular abscess) and aneurysms of the left circumflex coronary artery or of the descending aorta tan depict pathologic structures. Hiatal hernia and tumors tan be found as well.