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Published on: February 20, 2017
An autopsy case of familial idiopathic dilatation of bilateral atria
M Arao1, S Shimizu, Y Miyatake
1Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital.
Insights
This study reports a rare case of familial idiopathic dilatation of bilateral atria in a patient with congestive heart failure. The condition affected multiple family members, suggesting a genetic component.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Pathology
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) management.
- Idiopathic atrial dilatation as a rare condition.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old male with CHF presented with remarkable bilateral atrial dilatation.
- Normal coronary arteries, left ventricular contraction, and endomyocardial biopsy.
- Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed similar atrial dilatation in siblings.
Findings:
- Familial idiopathic dilatation of bilateral atria confirmed.
- Proband experienced cardiogenic shock and mortality.
- Pathology showed nonspecific changes in atria and ventricles.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare genetic cardiac disorder.
- Suggests the need for family screening in similar cases.
- Contributes to understanding idiopathic atrial dilatation.
Abstract:
A 59-year-old male patient was followed up for congestive heart failure. Echo cardiogram showed no abnormal findings other than a remarkable dilatation of the bilateral atria. The coronary arteries and left ventricular contraction were normal. Left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy showed no significant abnormal findings. Further, we examined his siblings using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and found that they all also had dilated bilateral atria. After several hospitalizations, the proband died from cardiogenic shock. Pathological findings showed nonspecific change in bilateral atria and ventricles. This is a very rare case of familial idiopathic dilatation of bilateral atria.
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