Cor triatriatum sinister: an incidental finding in a patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

K Fukumoto1, S Takatsuki, S Miyoshi

  • 1Cardiology Division, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. fukumoto@cpnet.med.keio.ac.jp

Herz
|July 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation incidentally found cor triatriatum sinister. Successful treatment of atrial fibrillation was achieved, highlighting increased detection of congenital heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia requiring treatment like catheter ablation.
  • Pre-procedural imaging is standard for guiding catheter ablation procedures.
  • Congenital heart diseases can be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally.

Observation:

  • A 58-year-old male with atrial fibrillation was incidentally diagnosed with cor triatriatum sinister.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed via transesophageal echocardiography and cardiovascular computed tomography.
  • The patient underwent successful pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation.

Findings:

  • The patient remained free from atrial fibrillation for over 24 months post-ablation.
  • Cor triatriatum sinister was an incidental finding during pre-ablation workup.
  • Successful electrical pulmonary vein isolation was achieved.

Implications:

  • Increased rates of atrial fibrillation ablation may lead to more incidental diagnoses of congenital heart disease.
  • Early detection of asymptomatic congenital heart defects is crucial.
  • This case underscores the importance of comprehensive pre-procedural cardiac imaging.

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation01:25

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation

Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...