'Teapot' in the heart.

Obtaining accurate and reproducible transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) views are crucial and erroneously recorded images lead to incorrect measurements and interpretations. Apical two-chamber view is a standard view routinely obtained in TTE and is important for assessment of size and function of left ventricle (LV) and regional wall motion abnormality. Optimal image includes centrally position apex and mitral valve (MV). In an optimal two-chamber view, right-sided structures are not seen. At the atrioventricular junction on left side, coronary sinus (CS) is usually seen as a small circular structure. Left atrial appendage (LAA) is also frequently seen as a finger-like structure on the right side of the image and is used as a marker for positioning the transducer. Left atrium along with CS on the left side and LAA on the right side resembles a ‘teapot’. Fig. 1 shows two chamber echocardiogram of two patients with both CS and LAA seen. This could help novice cardiologists in obtaining accurate images. Online Video 1 shows ‘teapot’ configuration of the left atrium similar to that shown in Fig. 1 illustration.

Fig. 1

Transthoracic echocardiogram from 2-chamber apical window of two patients showing the ‘teapot’-like appearance of left atrium with coronary sinus on the left of the image and left atrial appendage at the right side of the image. Schematic diagram is also provided on the left side for each case.

Obtaining accurate and reproducible transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) views are crucial and erroneously recorded images lead to incorrect measurements and interpretations. Apical two-chamber view is a standard view routinely obtained in TTE and is important for assessment of size and function of left ventricle (LV) and regional wall motion abnormality. Optimal image includes centrally position apex and mitral valve (MV). In an optimal two-chamber view, right-sided structures are not seen. At the atrioventricular junction on left side, coronary sinus (CS) is usually seen as a small circular structure. Left atrial appendage (LAA) is also frequently seen as a finger-like structure on the right side of the image and is used as a marker for positioning the transducer. Left atrium along with CS on the left side and LAA on the right side resembles a ‘teapot’. Fig. 1 shows two chamber echocardiogram of two patients with both CS and LAA seen. This could help novice cardiologists in obtaining accurate images. Online Video 1 shows ‘teapot’ configuration of the left atrium similar to that shown in Fig. 1 illustration.

Conflicts of interest

The authors have none to declare.