What is the coumadin ridge?

The coumadin ridge is a prominent, muscular ridge of tissue that lies in the left atrium in between the left superior pulmonary vein and the left atrial appendage[2]. It may often appear to be attached to the roof of the left atrial appendage, with a rounded end extending into the left atrium[2].

Why is it called coumadin ridge?

History and etymology. It was called “coumadin” or “warfarin” ridge since it was commonly misdiagnosed as a thrombus, which resulted in unnecessary anticoagulation.

What is a ridge on the heart?

Background: The left atrial ridge is a structure located in the left atrium between the left-sided pulmonary veins ostia and the orifice of the left atrial appendage. Since it was commonly misdiagnosed as a thrombus, the ridge is also known as the “coumadin” or “warfarin” ridge.

Where is the Coumadin ridge located in the body?

A coumadin ridge, also called warfarin ridge or left lateral ridge, is a band-like embryological remnant in the left atrium between the left superior pulmonary vein and the left atrial appendage. It is considered an anatomical variant. The

What kind of TTE is used for Coumadin Ridge?

Full volume three dimensional (3D) TTE and colour Doppler established the surrounding anatomical landmarks, and demonstrated the absence of obstruction related to this band. 3D TTE confirmed that this band like structure was consistent with the ridge between the left atrial appendage and left superior pulmonary vein (‘warfarin/coumadin ridge’).

Can A Coumadin Ridge be mistaken for a thrombus?

Contrast injection is usually unnecessary but may be helpful in identifying an organized thrombus or tumor in the left atrial appendage. A prominent coumadin ridge may protrude into the endocardial surface of the left atrium and can be mistaken for a thrombus or mass on imaging 1-5.

Is the Coumadin Ridge bulbous or bulbous?

Therefore, the coumadin ridge is also called the left lateral ridge (LLR).3 The coumadin ridge is the atrial tissue that separates the entrance of the left superior pulmonary vein and the left atrial appendage. The coumadin ridge is usually thin in the proximal part and can be bulbous at the distal part.