Structures

On cardiac ultrasound images are often seen structures in the heart or pericardium that can be mistaken for tumors or other diseases. Below an overview of normal cardiac structures that are common mistaken for other structures.

Location of structures that can be visualized in the heart

LocationStructures
Left atriumCoumadin ridge, ridge between Left pulmonary vein and LAA
Atrial suture line after heart transplant
Twisted LAA
Atrial septal aneurysm
Lipomatous hypertrophy of the atrial septum
Twisted descending aorta
Right atriumChrista terminalis (ridge between IVC and SVC).
Congenital valve residues (Eustachian valve, Chiari network, Thebesian band).
Trabeculae in RAA.
Atrial suture line after heart transplantation.
Catheter, lines, pacemaker wires
Left ventriclePapillary muscles.
False tendon.
Prominent trabeculae.
High intentity transient spots at prostethic valves
Right ventricleModerator Band.
Papillary muscles.
Catheter, pacemaker wires
Aortic valveNoduli of Arantius
Lambl's excrescences
Mitral valveRedundant chorda
Redundant valve tissue
PericardiumEpicardial fat
Fibrinous debris in chronic pericardial effusion

References

J.P.M. Hamer, 'Cardiale massa's' in "Praktische echcardiografie", (2006), 1e druk 2e oplage, Bohn Stafleu van Loghum, Houten, p.205-206.