[Cor triatriatum associated with a ventricular septal defect in infancy. 2 cases treated surgically]

Although rare, the diagnosis of cor triatriatum in its classical form is usually made pre-operatively. The association with a large ventricular septal defect, as in the two cases reported here, masks the clinical and haemodynamic signs. In one case it was the echocardiogram and cineangiography which led to pre-operative diagnosis. The surgical correction of the two lesions was done successfully in one stage. In our second case, lack of recognition of the cor triatriatum led to the death of the patient in a low output state, following closure of the ventricular septal defect.