In the early days of transesophageal echocardiography, the “Q-tip sign” was occasionally mistaken for a left atrial mass. This area is now well recognized as a normal anatomic landmark dividing the left atrial appendage from the left upper pulmonary vein. However, in this report we describe 2 patients in whom pathology was found in this area, which should not be overlooked. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:832-3.)
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minn. Rochester, Minnesota
☆ Reprint requests: Roger L. Click, MD, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St, SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
ABSTRACT