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Intermediate Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

septal bounce

Abnormal interventricular septal motion characterized by early diastolic reversal, typically seen in right heart volume or pressure overload.

Full Definition

Septal bounce refers to the characteristic abnormal motion of the interventricular septum observed on cardiac imaging, particularly echocardiography and cardiac MRI. This finding manifests as a rapid early diastolic movement of the septum toward the left ventricle followed by a rebound motion. Septal bounce is a hallmark sign of right heart volume overload (as in atrial septal defect) or pressure overload conditions. The abnormal motion pattern reflects altered ventricular interdependence and can help differentiate right heart pathology from isolated left heart disease.

Usage

Usage note: Describe the timing (early diastolic) when documenting this finding.

In Context

  • "Septal bounce was evident on the parasternal short-axis view, suggesting right heart volume overload." — Echocardiography interpretation
  • "The characteristic septal bounce pattern resolved after atrial septal defect closure." — Post-procedural imaging

Also known as

septal flattening with rebound paradoxical septal motion

Contrasted with

normal septal motion

Don't confuse with

septal dyskinesis septal hypertrophy

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