A cardiovascular cause of hematemesis
Maninder Singh1, Amanjit S Baadh
1Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, PH Room 5-505, 622 W. 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA, mas9272@nyp.org.
The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
|November 9, 2013
Summary
Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect. This study details an unusual variant where only right pulmonary veins enter an accessory left atrial chamber, differing from typical cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiac Anatomy
Background:
- Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart anomaly characterized by a fibromuscular membrane dividing the left atrium.
- In typical cor triatriatum, all pulmonary veins drain into the accessory chamber.
- This anatomical variation presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an unusual variant of cor triatriatum.
- To highlight the atypical pulmonary venous drainage pattern in this specific case.
- To contribute to the understanding of congenital heart defect variations.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of relevant cardiac anatomy and embryology.
- Discussion of diagnostic imaging findings (e.g., echocardiography, MRI).
Main Results:
- The patient presented with an anomalous fibromuscular septum within the left atrium.
- Unlike typical cor triatriatum, only the right-sided pulmonary veins entered the accessory chamber.
- The left-sided pulmonary veins entered the anatomically true left atrium.
Conclusions:
- This case represents a rare variant of cor triatriatum with incomplete pulmonary venous incorporation into the accessory chamber.
- Understanding such variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.
- Further research into the spectrum of cor triatriatum is warranted.
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