Double-outlet right atrium: anatomic and clinical considerations.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

• Double-outlet right atrium (DORA) is a rare congenital anomaly.
• Characterized by the right atrium emptying into both ventricles.
• Associated with atrioventricular canal defects and other cardiac anomalies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the anatomic and clinical features of DORA.
• To report on the surgical treatment experience for DORA.
• To highlight the diagnostic role of echocardiography.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records and echocardiograms.
• Analysis of operative reports for 12 patients with DORA.
• Identification of specific anatomic features and surgical techniques.

Main Results:

• 12 patients with DORA underwent surgical treatment between 1983 and 2004.
• Diagnosis was consistently made using two-dimensional echocardiography.
• 11 patients survived surgical repair; mortality was associated with complex syndromes like Ellis Von-Creveld.

Conclusions:

• DORA is a rare cardiac anomaly with distinct characteristics.
• Two-dimensional echocardiography is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Timely diagnosis facilitates effective surgical correction of DORA.