Simulated tricuspid valve echoes in tricuspid atresia.

A case of tricuspid atresia with unusual echocardiographic findings is presented. The echocardiogram was successful in defining great artery interrelationships, ventricular looping, and cavity sizes. An echo pattern resembling the motion of a small tricuspid valve was observed; this was proven to be spurious at catheterization and necropsy. Caution should be exercised in diagnosing the presence of a tricuspid valve on the basis of atypical echoes from the tricuspid valve area.