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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Asymptomatic giant right atrial aneurysm.
R Chatrath1, O Turek, E S Quivers
1The Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|January 5, 2002
Summary
A giant right atrial aneurysm was incidentally discovered in an asymptomatic child. Surgical intervention successfully treated the condition, preventing potential complications like thrombus formation and arrhythmias.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Congenital heart anomalies can present incidentally in asymptomatic children.
- Giant right atrial aneurysms are rare cardiac malformations requiring careful evaluation and management.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing serious cardiovascular complications.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old asymptomatic boy presented with incidental gross cardiomegaly on chest radiography.
- Echocardiography revealed a giant right atrial aneurysm as the cause of cardiomegaly.
- The aneurysm presented as a paper-thin walled dilatation with focal endocardial fibrosis.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful surgical reduction of the right atrium.
- Surgical procedures included closure of an atrial septal defect and tricuspid valve repair.
- Histopathological examination of resected tissue confirmed idiopathic dilatation of the right atrium.
Implications:
- Surgical management effectively addressed the giant right atrial aneurysm.
- Intervention aimed to prevent thrombus formation, paradoxical embolism, and atrial arrhythmias.
- This case highlights the importance of thorough cardiac evaluation for incidental findings like cardiomegaly in children.
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