Giant congenital intrapericardial left atrial aneurysm diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography
K Taori1, A Deshmukh, R Sanyal
1Department of Radiodiagnosis, Government Medical College H, Nagpur, India. kishortaori@yahoo.co.in
Insights
A rare cardiac anomaly, left atrial aneurysm, can be congenital or acquired. This case highlights its detection via chest radiography and confirmation with computed tomography.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Left atrial aneurysm is a rare cardiac anomaly.
- Etiology is typically congenital but can be acquired due to mitral valve disease or degeneration.
Observation:
- A routine PA chest radiograph revealed cardiomegaly.
- A bulge on the left cardiac contour was noted.
Findings:
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed a large left atrial aneurysm.
- This imaging modality is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Implications:
- Early detection of left atrial aneurysm is vital.
- Understanding its varied presentation aids diagnosis.
Abstract:
A left atrial aneurysm is a rare cardiac anomaly. The etiology is usually congenital, but it can also occur as an acquired pathology secondary to mitral valve disease or a degenerative process. We report a case which, on routine PA chest radiography, presented as cardiomegaly with a bulge on the left cardiac contour. Further evaluation by contrast-enhanced computed tomography proved it to be caused by a large left atrial aneurysm.
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