Right atrial isomerism (RAI), also known as asplenia syndrome, is a type of heterotaxy characterized by right-sided symmetry.
Unlike left atrial isomerism, which often shows interrupted IVC and parallel abdominal vessels, RAI typically presents with more severe cardiac malformations.
🔎 Key Abdominal Clues
In right atrial isomerism:
The IVC is usually present and not interrupted
The abdominal vessels do not typically show parallel alignment
The liver may appear midline
The stomach position can be abnormal
Spleen may be absent (difficult to confirm prenatally)
Abnormal situs should always raise suspicion.
❤️ Cardiac Features to Watch
RAI is often associated with:
Complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)
Pulmonary outflow obstruction
Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR)
Abnormal 3VT configuration
Severe conotruncal anomalies
Compared to left atrial isomerism,
cardiac involvement is often more complex and severe.
🧠 Clinical Insight
If you suspect heterotaxy:
✔ Carefully evaluate abdominal situs
✔ Assess IVC continuity
✔ Examine pulmonary venous return
✔ Review 3VT view pattern
✔ Look for AV valve morphology
Heterotaxy is a systemic laterality disorder,
not just a heart anomaly.
🆚 Left vs Right Atrial Isomerism – Quick Comparison