Echocardiographic imaging techniques with subcostal and right parasternal longitudinal views in detecting sinus venosus atrial septal defects.

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects are frequently missed and difficult to visualize with conventional two-dimensional echocardiographic views. Using modified subcostal and right parasternal longitudinal views, nine patients were found to have a sinus venosus atrial septal defect. The modified subcostal view showed a sinus venosus atrial septal defect in all nine patients; three patients had secundum atrial septal defects as well. The right parasternal view detected only six patients with sinus venosus atrial septal defect. Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return was diagnosed in seven patients using these views. The combination of subcostal and right parasternal longitudinal imaging views will improve the detection of sinus venosus atrial septal defects.