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Cor triatriatum with single atrium presenting in adulthood.
Satyanarayana Avula1, Manuel Salazar, Najib Alturk
1Division of Cardiology, Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers of New York, Staten Island Region, 355 Bard Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10310, USA.
Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|December 14, 2005
Summary
A rare congenital heart defect, characterized by a complete absence of the atrial septum and other anomalies, was found in an asymptomatic young woman. This complex condition, including a common atrium, remained undetected until adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) encompass a range of structural abnormalities present at birth.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with CHDs.
- Complex CHDs often present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- An asymptomatic 21-year-old woman presented with an abnormal electrocardiogram.
- Echocardiography revealed a complete absence of the atrial septum, a common atrium, partial atrioventricular canal, cleft mitral valve, and persistent left superior vena cava.
- These cardiac malformations were confirmed during surgical correction.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited an unusual combination of congenital cardiac malformations.
- The absence of the atrial septum and associated anomalies led to a common atrium.
- A persistent left superior vena cava drained into an enlarged coronary sinus.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for complex congenital heart defects to remain asymptomatic and undetected into adulthood.
- Understanding such rare combinations is vital for accurate diagnosis and tailored surgical interventions.
- The successful surgical correction underscores the feasibility of managing complex CHDs even when presenting late.