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Fig. 8 | Insights into Imaging

Fig. 8

From: CT imaging features of atrioventricular shunts: what the radiologist must know

Fig. 8

Four-chamber contrast-enhanced CT image a illustrating a small patent foramen ovale (arrow). Oblique coronal contrast-enhanced CT images b show the interatrial septum at the level of the fossa ovalis. A patent foramen ovale (asterisk) is the result of a failed fusion between the septum primum (arrows) and the interatrial groove (IAG), which consists of a superior (S) and inferior (I) part. There virtually never is a volume overload in these patients because the transatrial flow is limited and oblique to the interatrial septum, due to the orientation of the septum primum flap. This feature distinguishes a PFO from other atrial septal defects where the flow direction is perpendicular to the axis of the interatrial septum. LA left atrium, RA right atrium

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