Ebstein's anomaly is best described as what?

• A. Atrialization of right ventricle
• B. Hypertrophy of left ventricle
• C. Dextrocardia
• D. Pulmonary stenosis

Answer: (A)

Ebstein's anomaly centers on the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid leaflets are displaced downward toward the apex, which pulls a portion of the right ventricle into the right atrium. That part of the ventricle becomes functionally part of the atrium, a phenomenon known as atrialization. This creates a very large right atrium and a small functional right ventricle, with severe tricuspid regurgitation and impaired forward RV output. Clinically, this leads to right‑sided heart failure symptoms, cyanosis, and arrhythmias.

This description best fits because it captures the key structural change (downward displacement of the tricuspid valve) and its consequence (atrialization of part of the right ventricle). Hypertrophy of the left ventricle, dextrocardia, and pulmonary stenosis are not defining features of Ebstein’s anomaly.