Prenatal Detection of a Right Atrial Echogenic Mass: A Case Report of Hypertrophic Crista Terminalis

<b>Background and Clinical Significance</b>: The crista terminalis (CT) is a fibromuscular ridge located on the posterolateral wall of the right atrium, formed by the junction of the sinus venosus and the primitive right atrium. A hypertrophic or prominent CT (HCT) refers to a thickened or conspicuous configuration of this normal anatomical structure. In prenatal ultrasound (US) and/or echocardiographic assessments, HCT can mimic a right atrial mass, such as a tumor or a thrombus. <b>Case Presentation:</b> Herein, we describe a case of a fetal right atrial echogenic mass detected at 32 weeks, which remained stable through gestation and was confirmed postnatally as a likely HCT. No hemodynamic compromise, growth, or pathological sequelae were observed. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our case reinforces the importance of including atrial structural variants in the differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses, particularly when features favor stability and low risk. Serial imaging, avoidance of premature invasive measures, and careful counseling are key to appropriate management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Diagnostics
Published
2025-12-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16010017
Primary Topic
Cardiac tumors and thrombi
Type
article
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article

Prenatal Detection of a Right Atrial Echogenic Mass: A Case Report of Hypertrophic Crista Terminalis

Benedetta Petrachi, Francesco Leo, Elena Chesi, Andrea Musarò et al.
Diagnostics
Cardiac tumors and thrombi
article

Prenatal Detection of a Right Atrial Echogenic Mass: A Case Report of Hypertrophic Crista Terminalis

Benedetta Petrachi, Francesco Leo, Elena Chesi, Andrea Musarò, Giulia Barbato, Lorenzo Aguzzoli, Maria Paola Bonasoni, Francesco Di Dio, Sonia Ricò, Mariangela Pati, Khush Shah, Giancarlo Gargano
article en

Abstract

<b>Background and Clinical Significance</b>: The crista terminalis (CT) is a fibromuscular ridge located on the posterolateral wall of the right atrium, formed by the junction of the sinus venosus and the primitive right atrium. A hypertrophic or prominent CT (HCT) refers to a thickened or conspicuous configuration of this normal anatomical structure. In prenatal ultrasound (US) and/or echocardiographic assessments, HCT can mimic a right atrial mass, such as a tumor or a thrombus. <b>Case Presentation:</b> Herein, we describe a case of a fetal right atrial echogenic mass detected at 32 weeks, which remained stable through gestation and was confirmed postnatally as a likely HCT. No hemodynamic compromise, growth, or pathological sequelae were observed. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our case reinforces the importance of including atrial structural variants in the differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses, particularly when features favor stability and low risk. Serial imaging, avoidance of premature invasive measures, and careful counseling are key to appropriate management.

DiagnosticsVol. 16(1)
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (US), Azienda Sanitaria Unità Locale di Reggio Emilia (IT), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 32%
Cardiac tumors and thrombi
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Prenatal Detection of a Right Atrial Echogenic Mass: A Case Report of Hypertrophic Crista Terminalis — Benedetta Petrachi, Francesco Leo, et al. · Diagnostics (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS