Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
Cor triatriatum dexter and atrial septal defect in a 43-year-old woman
Petar M Vukovic1, Dragana Kosevic1, Miroslav Milicic1
1Departments of Cardiac Surgery (Drs. Micovic, Milicic, Stojanovic, and Vukovic) and Cardiology (Drs. Jovovic and Kosevic), Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia.
Insights
Cor triatriatum dexter, a rare heart defect, involves a membrane dividing the right atrium. Surgical intervention proved successful for a patient with complex anatomy, highlighting surgery as the gold standard in such cases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Cor triatriatum dexter is a rare congenital heart anomaly characterized by a membrane subdividing the right atrium.
- This condition can present with associated cardiac defects, such as atrial septal defects.
Observation:
- A case report details a 43-year-old woman with cor triatriatum dexter and a large atrial septal defect.
- During attempted percutaneous closure, the atrial septal defect's lack of an inferior rim prevented device placement.
Findings:
- Percutaneous closure was unsuccessful due to unfavorable anatomy.
- Surgical treatment was ultimately successful in managing the complex cardiac anomaly.
Implications:
- Percutaneous closure may be suitable for incomplete membranes with well-defined rims.
- Open-heart surgery remains the definitive treatment for cor triatriatum dexter with unfavorable anatomy or complex associated defects.
Abstract:
Cor triatriatum dexter is a rare congenital heart anomaly in which a membrane divides the right atrium into 2 chambers. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman who had cor triatriatum dexter and a large atrial septal defect. During attempted percutaneous closure, the balloon disrupted the membrane and revealed that the defect had no inferior rim, precluding secure placement of an Amplatzer Septal Occluder. Surgical treatment subsequently proved to be successful. In patients with an incomplete membrane and a septal defect with well-defined rims, percutaneous treatment can be the first choice. In patients who have cor triatriatum dexter and unfavorable anatomic features or concomitant complex heart anomalies, open-heart surgery remains the gold standard for treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

