eustachian valve, spontaneous contrast, redundant mitral valve

[taffy74]

I have been having palpitations for about 4 months. I wore a monitor which showed short episodes of SVT. These usually occur when I roll onto my right side. I had an echo which showed a prominent eustachian valve, redundant mitral valve chordae and spontaneous contrast in the inferior vena cava. I am just wondering if these things are related to the arrhythmia and are they of any concern. Please note: I do have mild scoliosis and tall thin stature. I am 29 years old, female.

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

taffy74,

Thanks for the post.

Q:"I am just wondering if these things are related to the arrhythmia"

I am not aware of a connection between prominence of eustachian valve and SVT.  Redundant mitral valve chordae is a non-finding.  The spontaneous echo contrast in the IVC is likely caused by the prominent eustachian valve.

It is interesting, however, that the palpitations occur when you roll to your right.  Rolling to a person's right increases pressure on the right-sided structures, like the right atrium and IVC.  If additional pressure was placed on an IVC that was already somewhat "pinched" or obstructed (due to a prominent eustachian valve, for example), it is conceivable that an abnormal chest sensation could be felt.  This is all conjecture, and I have never heard nor seen someone with this set of circumstances.

Hope that helps.