[Echocardiographic diagnoses of congenital atrial appendage aneurysm: from fetus to adult].

Objective To summarize the echocardiograhic features of atrial appendage aneurysm (AAA) in fetuses, children and adults and evaluate the value of echocardiography in the diagnosis of AAA. Methods The AAA echocardiographic features of 6 fetuses, 1 child and 4 adults were retrospectively analyzed. And the diagnoses were confirmed by autopsy, postnatal follow-ups, computed tomography (CT) and surgery. Results Left atrial appendage aneurysm was more common than right atrial appendage aneurysm. AAA had the same echocardiographic characteristics in fetuses, children and adults. And it was usually combined with other complex cardiac malformations in fetuses while single cardiac abnormality was predominant in children and adults. Conclusion Fetuses, children and adults with AAA may be found by echocardiography in time so that echocardigraphy has an important role in diagnosing AAA. Key words: Echocardilgraphy; Congenital; Atrial appendage aneurysm