[A case of multiple cerebral infarction accompanied by a cor triatriatum]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect, typically diagnosed in childhood.
• Adult presentations of cor triatriatum are uncommon and often mimic mitral stenosis.
• Embolism is a rare but known complication of cor triatriatum.

Observation:

• A 57-year-old female presented with acute impaired consciousness and hemiparesis post-cranioplasty.
• Diffusion-weighted MRI revealed multiple cerebral infarctions.
• Transesophageal echocardiography identified a membrane within the left atrium, indicative of cor triatriatum.

Findings:

• The patient's multiple cerebral infarctions are suspected to be embolic in origin.
• The presence of cor triatriatum is implicated as the source of the embolism.
• This case suggests a potential link between cor triatriatum and embolic stroke in adults.

Implications:

• Cor triatriatum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of embolic stroke in adults, even in rare cases.
• Early diagnosis and management of cor triatriatum may prevent serious neurological complications.
• Further research is warranted to understand the embolic risk associated with adult cor triatriatum.