Related Experiment Videos
Cor triatriatum in adults: three new cases and a brief review
Q Chen1, S Guhathakurta, G Vadalapali
1The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Wellington Hospital, New Zealand.
Insights
This study highlights three late-diagnosed cases of cor triatriatum, a rare congenital heart anomaly. Adult presentations vary significantly in symptoms and anatomy, emphasizing the need for awareness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly characterized by an intra-atrial septum dividing the left atrium.
- Late diagnosis in adulthood is uncommon but presents unique challenges.
Observation:
- Three adult patients (2 male, 1 female) were diagnosed with cor triatriatum in their 4th and 5th decades.
- Clinical presentations and anatomical variations were substantial among the cases.
- One female patient had a complex congenital anomaly, a frequent comorbidity.
Findings:
- Late diagnosis of cor triatriatum can occur across a spectrum of adult ages.
- Significant variability exists in both the anatomical and symptomatic manifestations of the condition.
- Associated congenital anomalies are common, particularly in female patients.
Implications:
- Increased clinical suspicion for cor triatriatum in adults with unexplained cardiac symptoms is warranted.
- Understanding the diverse presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
- Further research into late-diagnosed congenital heart anomalies can improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
We report 3 cases of cor triatriatum that were diagnosed late, in the 4th and 5th decades of life. The presentations of these 2 men and 1 woman varied substantially, both in anatomic and symptomatic aspects. The woman had an associated complex congenital anomaly, which is not uncommon in cases of cor triatriatum. We present our cases, along with a review of this rare congenital cardiac anomaly.