Symptomatic giant left atrial aneurysm in a child: a rare entity

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Isolated left atrial aneurysms are uncommon cardiovascular conditions.
• Diagnosis typically occurs in adults aged 20-40 years.
• Pediatric cases of left atrial aneurysms are exceptionally rare in medical literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of isolated left atrial appendage aneurysm in a pediatric patient.
• To discuss the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of this rare condition in a child.
• To review and compare the case with existing English literature on pediatric left atrial aneurysms.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 2-year-old boy with respiratory distress and edema.
• Echocardiographic evaluation revealing a large left atrial appendage aneurysm and severe left ventricle dysfunction.
• Surgical resection of the aneurysm.
• Intraoperative findings and postoperative course monitoring.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with irritability, respiratory distress, and pedal edema.
• Echocardiography confirmed a large left atrial appendage aneurysm with significant left ventricle dysfunction.
• Postoperative complications included low cardiac output state and frequent arrhythmias.
• The patient expired on postoperative day 7.

Conclusions:

• This case underscores the rarity and potential severity of left atrial appendage aneurysms in the pediatric population.
• Despite surgical intervention, the patient experienced a fatal outcome, highlighting the challenges in managing such rare conditions.
• Further research and case reporting are crucial for understanding and improving outcomes for pediatric left atrial aneurysms.