Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of atrial septal aneurysm with patent foramen ovale in a patient with ventricular septal defect

We present a case of a rare combination of ventricular septal defect and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a 57-year-old female. She was referred to our hospital for the treatment of irregular palpitation and exertional shortness of breath. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) with color Doppler imaging demonstrated an ASA with two lines of shunt flows. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) could clearly visualize the morphology of the PFO in the surgeon's view and demonstrated a crescent-shaped opening of the PFO. 3D-TEE appears to be a more accurate modality than 2D-TEE for the assessment of PFO. © 2012 Japanese Society of Echocardiography.