Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA
13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA

Published on: April 24, 2017

19.5K

Gargantuan left atrium: a sequela of mitral regurgitation and mitral stenosis

Brian T Omslaer1,2, Robert W W Biederman1

  • 1Center for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The Gerald McGinnis Cardiovascular Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|January 6, 2015
PubMed

Insights

A patient with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis experienced extreme left atrial enlargement. Surgical intervention, including mitral valve replacement and left atrial reduction, led to a successful recovery without complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Severe rheumatic mitral stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and permanent atrial fibrillation can lead to significant cardiac remodeling.
  • Extreme left atrial enlargement presents a complex clinical challenge, impacting cardiac function and patient prognosis.

Observation:

  • A 56-year-old patient presented with a gargantuan left atrium (18.9 cm × 15.7 cm × 11.3 cm) confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography.
  • Radiological findings included a cardiothoracic ratio approaching 1.0 on chest x-ray and a maximum left atrial diameter of 19.2 cm on transthoracic echocardiogram.

Findings:

  • The patient's condition was characterized by severe rheumatic mitral stenosis, severe pulmonary hypertension, and permanent atrial fibrillation.
  • Imaging studies documented unprecedented dimensions of left atrial dilation.

Implications:

  • Mitral valve replacement and left atrial reduction surgery can effectively manage extreme left atrial enlargement in patients with rheumatic heart disease.
  • Successful surgical outcomes can prevent further complications and hospital admissions, improving long-term patient well-being.

Keywords:
cardiac MRIechocardiographyleft atriummitral regurgitationmitral stenosis

More Related Videos

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China08:42

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

4.6K
Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat08:34

Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat

Published on: November 18, 2018

7.8K

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
1.6K
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
1.2K
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...
513
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
1.0K
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...
864
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
1.5K