A 60-year-old patient presents with recurrent TIA episodes. Echocardiography shows candle flame sign. The probable etiology of the disease is?
**Core Concept**
The "candle flame sign" on echocardiography is indicative of a specific cardiac condition characterized by a distinctive pattern of flow within the heart chambers. This sign is associated with a congenital heart defect that affects the structure and function of the atrial septum.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The "candle flame sign" is typically observed in patients with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA), a congenital condition where a portion of the atrial septum protrudes into the left atrium. This aneurysm can be a source of embolic events, such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), due to the formation of thrombi within the aneurysm. The echocardiographic appearance of the ASA resembles a candle flame, with the aneurysmal portion appearing as a narrow, tubular structure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because atrial septal defect (ASD) typically presents with signs of left-to-right shunt, such as increased pulmonary flow and right ventricular hypertrophy. The "candle flame sign" is not characteristic of ASD.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a type of atrial septal defect that allows shunting between the left and right atria during certain conditions. However, PFO does not typically cause the formation of a distinct aneurysm, and the "candle flame sign" is not a characteristic echocardiographic feature of PFO.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition characterized by the displacement of the mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during systole. While MVP can increase the risk of embolic events, it is not associated with the "candle flame sign" on echocardiography.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The "candle flame sign" is a distinctive echocardiographic feature of atrial septal aneurysm, which should be considered in patients presenting with recurrent TIA episodes and a characteristic echocardiographic pattern.
**Correct Answer: C. Atrial septal aneurysm.**