Congenital intrapericardial aneurysms of the left atrium

Thorax
|February 1, 1975
PubMed

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.

Related Concept Videos

Chambers of the Heart01:16

Chambers of the Heart

The human heart is a complex organ made up of four chambers: the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. These internal chambers are separated by partitions known as the interatrial and interventricular septa. The exterior of the heart features a groove known as the coronary sulcus that demarcates the atria from the ventricles, while the anterior and posterior interventricular sulci distinguish between the two ventricles.
Deoxygenated blood from the body is received in the right...
Coronary Circulation01:21

Coronary Circulation

The heart, an organ critical to survival, gets nourishment not from the blood it pumps but from a separate circulation system known as coronary circulation. This is the shortest circulation in the body and is responsible for supplying the heart with the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Coronary circulation begins at the base of the aorta, where two main arteries arise—the left and right coronary arteries. These arteries encircle the heart in the coronary sulcus and supply the...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...