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[Left cor triatriatum. Clinical and echocardiographic polymorphism]
M A Nunes1, A Macedo, M P Magalhães
1Serviços de Cardiologia Pediátrica e Cirurgia Cardio-Torácica, Hospital de Santa Marta, Lisboa.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Cor triatriatum, a rare congenital heart defect, presents challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Early detection through echocardiography is crucial for improving surgical outcomes in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart anomaly characterized by a membrane dividing the left atrium.
- It can occur in isolation or with other cardiac defects, complicating diagnosis and management.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe four pediatric cases of cor triatriatum.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of echocardiography.
- To discuss the impact of associated anomalies and early diagnosis on surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Case series review of four pediatric patients with cor triatriatum.
- Detailed clinical and investigational data analysis.
- Emphasis on echocardiographic findings.
Main Results:
- Four cases of cor triatriatum in infants aged 4 days to 12 months were analyzed.
- Presentations included isolated disease and associations with ventricular septal defect, anomalous pulmonary venous connection, and persistent left superior vena cava.
- One patient underwent successful surgical correction; two died pre-operatively, and one awaits surgery.
Conclusions:
- Isolated cor triatriatum can mimic primary lung disease, delaying diagnosis.
- Associated cardiac anomalies can lead to earlier diagnosis due to prompt referral.
- Surgical success and prognosis are significantly influenced by the presence of associated anomalies and the timeliness of diagnosis.