Evaluating adult cor triatriatum with total anomalous pulmonary venous connections by multidetector computed

M Kantarci1, I Yuce, A Yalcin

  • 1Atatürk University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Erzurum, Turkey. akkanrad@hotmail.com

Folia Morphologica
|November 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A rare heart defect, cor triatriatum with total anomalous pulmonary venous connections, was diagnosed in a young patient. ECG-gated cardiac MDCT effectively visualized this complex cardiac anomaly.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Congenital Heart Disease

Background:

  • Congenital heart anomalies require accurate diagnosis for effective management.
  • Cor triatriatum is a rare condition characterized by an extra chamber within the left atrium.
  • Total anomalous pulmonary venous connections involve abnormal drainage of pulmonary veins.

Observation:

  • A 19-year-old female presented with dyspnea and chest pain.
  • Initial chest radiograph revealed mild cardiomegaly.
  • Echocardiography suggested an additional cardiac chamber, prompting further investigation.

Findings:

  • ECG-gated 16-detector-row computed tomography angiography identified cor triatriatum with total anomalous pulmonary venous connections.
  • Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) precisely delineated the complex cardiac and vascular anatomy.
  • The study confirmed the presence of both cor triatriatum and TAPVC.

Implications:

  • ECG-gated cardiac MDCT is a valuable tool for diagnosing cor triatriatum and associated anomalies.
  • Accurate anatomical visualization is crucial for surgical planning and patient outcomes.
  • This case highlights the utility of advanced imaging in complex congenital heart disease.

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan01:13

Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan

Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
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...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...