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Left atrial diverticulum associated with severe mitral regurgitation
H Terada1, Y Tanaka, K Kashima
1The Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University, Japan.
Japanese Circulation Journal
|June 30, 2000
Summary
A rare left atrial diverticulum associated with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) resolved after valve replacement surgery. This case suggests MR might contribute to diverticulum development and spontaneous resolution is possible.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Left atrial diverticulum is a rare and debated cardiac anomaly.
- Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) can present with complex cardiac findings.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old female presented with severe MR and an unusual accessory cavity behind the left atrium, identified via echocardiography.
- Surgical mitral valve replacement was performed, with no intervention on the diverticulum due to low perceived risk of rupture.
Findings:
- Postoperative computed tomography revealed complete resolution of the left atrial diverticulum 8 months after surgery.
- The exact cause of the atrial diverticulum remains unclear, but a potential link to the patient's severe MR is proposed.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for spontaneous resolution of left atrial diverticula.
- Further research is warranted to understand the relationship between mitral regurgitation and atrial diverticulum formation and resolution.