Assistant Professor University of Texas Harlingen, Texas, United States
Abstract Body : INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE
Interatrial septum has variable morphology. One such variation is the septal pouch (SP). Septal pouch is described as a kangaroo-like pouch present in the atrial chamber, attached to interatrial septum. Only a few cadaveric studies have been done to establish their morphology and dimensions.
A few studies have investigated septal pouches equivocally as a causative factor for stasis of blood, formation of thrombus and stroke.
The present study is an endeavor to shed more light on the morphology and morphometry of septal pouches on the right side of interatrial septum – its location, frequency and morphology. We tried to find out the anatomical relation between fossa ovalis and septal pouch.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
This study was conducted on 75 embalmed adult heart specimens preserved in the 10% formaldehyde-based solution. In each specimen, the morphological features of the right atrial septum were carefully observed. We specifically looked for the presence of atrial septal pouches and measured the depth of the pouches from its base to its apex, the width and the height of the base. We assessed the shape of the pouch by inserting and moving the probe inside the pouch. The position of the pouch and the structures making the wall were noted.
All the measurements were obtained using 0.05 mm precision Vernier caliper (company name - Shefie). Two independent researchers took the measurements. This study was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
RESULTS
The SP was found in the 12 specimens including one specimen that had two pouches. The direction of the base of pouches, their shape, the adjacent structures making the wall, the direction of their apex were noted. The depth of the pouches ranged from 0.37 cm to 1.66 cm; with mean being 0.78 cm. The height of the base ranged from 0.91 cm to 0.3 cm, with the mean being 0.69 cm. The width of the base ranged from 0.71 cm to 0.3 cm, with the mean being 0.46 cm. The most common shape was semilunar with one being cylindrical, one trapezoid and one funnel-shaped. Most of the SPs had right wall formed by fossa ovalis or limbus fossa ovalis.
CONCLUSION
The morphology and morphometry of the right atrial pouches has been studied and presented in this research. Their frequency was established in a sample of heart specimens. The morphology and morphometry of the pouches were quite variable, and no two pouches were exactly similar. Majority of pouches were located near to fossa ovalis.
The atrial septal pouches may have a role in thrombus formation thus it is important to further research the clinical implications of atrial septal pouches and develop methods to diagnose them.
