Congenital intrapericardial aneurysms of the left atrium
Insights
Congenital intrapericardial aneurysm/diverticulum of the left atrium can cause serious cardiac issues like emboli and arrhythmias. Surgical excision is recommended to prevent recurrence and manage symptoms effectively.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Congenital intrapericardial aneurysm/diverticulum of the left atrium is a rare cardiac anomaly.
- Patients often present with palpitations and abnormal cardiac shadows on chest radiography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a case of preoperatively diagnosed congenital intrapericardial aneurysm/diverticulum of the left atrium.
- To review previously reported cases and discuss management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a patient with congenital intrapericardial aneurysm/diverticulum of the left atrium.
- Literature review of 16 previously reported cases.
Main Results:
- The condition can lead to systemic emboli and atrial tachyarrhythmias resistant to medical therapy.
- Chest radiography and angiocardiography are key diagnostic tools.
- Surgical excision is indicated for all patients.
Conclusions:
- Surgical excision of congenital intrapericardial aneurysm/diverticulum of the left atrium is effective in preventing systemic emboli and atrial arrhythmias.
- The described patient remained symptom-free 14 months post-surgery.
Abstract:
A patient with congenital intrapericardial aneurysm/diverticulum of the left atrium diagnosed preoperatively is described. A review of the 16 previously reported cases revealed that the majority of the patients present with palpitation and are found to have an abnormal cardiac shadow on chest radiography, as did this patient. The aneurysm appears to cause systemic emboli and paroxysmal or persistent atrial tachyarrhythmias which are often resistant to medical therapy. The presence of the aneurysm is suggested by an abnormal contour of the left cardiac border in the postero-anterior chest radiograph and this can be confirmed by angiocardiography. Surgical excision of the aneurysm is indicated in all patients to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of systemic emboli and atrial arrhythmias. Our patient has remained free of symptoms since her operation 14 months ago.
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