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Cardiology171 papers

Coronary sinus abnormality

Last edited: 4/22/2026

Overview

Coronary sinus septal defect (CSSD), also known as unroofed coronary sinus, is a congenital anomaly characterized by an absence or defect in the roof of the coronary sinus, often associated with other cardiac anomalies such as atrial septal defects and persistent left superior vena cava 1.

Diagnosis

  • Echocardiography: Primary imaging modality; contrast echocardiography improves diagnostic accuracy 1.
  • Accuracy: Overall diagnostic accuracy for CSSD is 65%, with higher accuracy (84.6%) for specific types when diagnosed correctly 1.
  • Technique Evolution: Diagnostic accuracy significantly improved after 2002, suggesting advancements in echocardiographic techniques 1.
  • Management

  • Surgical Intervention: Recommended for definitive treatment, tailored to the extent of the defect 1.
  • Preoperative Imaging: Multidetector-row CT can be utilized for detailed anatomical assessment before and after surgical procedures 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Specific data not provided in abstracts; surgical intervention likely indicated based on severity 1.
  • Comorbidities: Presence of associated atrial septal defects and persistent left superior vena cava noted, influencing management complexity 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize contrast echocardiography for enhanced diagnostic accuracy in suspected CSSD (Evidence: Moderate 1).
  • Employ multidetector-row CT for comprehensive preoperative imaging to guide surgical planning (Evidence: Expert opinion 2).
  • Surgical repair is indicated for definitive management of CSSD, considering associated cardiac anomalies (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
  • References

    1 Xie MX, Yang YL, Cheng TO, Wang XF, Li K, Ren PP et al.. Coronary sinus septal defect (unroofed coronary sinus): echocardiographic diagnosis and surgical treatment. International journal of cardiology 2013. link 2 Herzog C, Dogan S, Wimmer-Greinecker G, Balzer JO, Mack MG, Vogl TJ. Multidetector-row CT: cardiosurgery indications. European radiology 2003. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Coronary sinus septal defect (unroofed coronary sinus): echocardiographic diagnosis and surgical treatment.Xie MX, Yang YL, Cheng TO, Wang XF, Li K, Ren PP et al. International journal of cardiology (2013)
    2. [2]
      Multidetector-row CT: cardiosurgery indications.Herzog C, Dogan S, Wimmer-Greinecker G, Balzer JO, Mack MG, Vogl TJ European radiology (2003)

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