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Published on: July 18, 2014
Cor triatriatum in an 86-year-old woman: initial presentation with pulmonary hypertension discovered during
1Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Otfried-Müller-Strasse 10, Tübingen 72074, Germany. iakintunde2@yahoo.com
Insights
Cor triatriatum, a rare congenital heart defect, can cause pulmonary hypertension even in adults. This case highlights its discovery in an 86-year-old woman during routine checks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart malformation involving atrial septation.
- It is typically diagnosed in childhood, with adult cases being uncommon.
- Complication with pulmonary hypertension increases mortality risk.
Observation:
- An 86-year-old woman presented with World Health Organization Group 2 pulmonary hypertension.
- The condition was identified during preoperative evaluation.
- Echocardiography revealed a membrane dividing the left atrium.
Findings:
- Doppler studies indicated abnormal flow patterns mimicking mitral stenosis.
- The right ventricle showed dilation and reduced long axis function.
- This suggests significant hemodynamic impact from the atrial membrane.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering cor triatriatum in adult patients with unexplained pulmonary hypertension.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes in adult congenital heart disease.
- Further research into adult cor triatriatum presentations is warranted.
Abstract:
Cor triatriatum is a congenital heart malformation that is characterised by the division of the left or right atrium into two separate chambers by a membrane or diaphragm. Reports among adults are scarce, as most cases are diagnosed during childhood. The risk of mortality is increased when cor triatriatum is complicated by pulmonary hypertension. This is a report of an 86-year-old woman with World Health Organization Group 2 pulmonary hypertension secondary to cor triatriatum, discovered during preoperative workup. Echocardiography showed a membrane dividing the left atrium into two. Doppler studies revealed a reversal of normal flow, similar to mitral stenosis. The right ventricle was dilated, with reduced long axis function.
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