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Atrial septal pouch - Morphological features and clinical considerations
Mateusz K Hołda1, Mateusz Koziej1, Jakub Hołda1
1Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland.
International Journal of Cardiology
|July 9, 2016
Summary
The atrial septal pouch (SP), a newly identified heart structure, was found in 47% of individuals. Its anatomy may increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Anatomy
- Interatrial Septum Morphology
- Thromboembolic Stroke Etiology
Background:
- The atrial septal pouch (SP) is a recently described anatomical feature of the interatrial septum.
- Left-sided SPs are implicated as a potential source of thrombi, contributing to ischemic stroke.
- Detailed morphometric analysis of the SP is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive morphometric description of the atrial septal pouch (SP).
- To investigate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of SPs in human hearts.
Main Methods:
- Autopsy of 200 human hearts (23% female, mean age 46.7 years).
- Assessment of interatrial septum morphology, including measurements and casts of SPs.
- Histological examination of left-sided SPs.
Main Results:
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO) observed in 25% of hearts, more frequent in younger individuals.
- SPs found in 41.5% left-sided, 5.5% right-sided, and 5.5% double.
- Left-sided SPs (mean volume 0.31ml) were more prevalent in older individuals (p=.0023) and had cone/cylinder shapes with specific wall composition.
Conclusions:
- A left-sided SP was identified in 47% of the studied individuals.
- The SP develops from the closure of the PFO channel.
- The anatomical features of the left-sided SP suggest a potential for promoting blood stasis and thrombus formation, increasing stroke risk.
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