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Echocardiographic diagnosis of cor triatriatum
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Medicine
|August 1, 1978
Insights
Cor triatriatum, a rare congenital heart defect, was diagnosed in a child with severe heart failure using M-mode echocardiography. Surgical excision successfully treated the condition, with follow-up echocardiograms confirming the absence of abnormal structures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart anomaly characterized by an anomalous septum dividing the left atrium.
- Severe heart failure in children can stem from various underlying cardiac pathologies, including structural abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of cor triatriatum presenting with severe heart failure in a pediatric patient.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of M-mode echocardiography and angiography in identifying this condition.
- To demonstrate the successful surgical management and long-term outcome.
Main Methods:
- M-mode echocardiography was utilized to visualize abnormal echoes within the left atrium.
- Angiography was performed to confirm the diagnosis of cor triatriatum.
- Surgical excision of the anomalous atrial septum was performed.
Main Results:
- M-mode echocardiography revealed abnormal echoes in the left atrium, posterior to the mitral leaflets.
- Angiography confirmed the presence of cor triatriatum.
- Post-surgical echocardiography showed the complete resolution of the abnormal structure and improved cardiac function.
Conclusions:
- Cor triatriatum can present with severe heart failure in children and is effectively diagnosed using echocardiography and angiography.
- Surgical excision is a curative treatment for cor triatriatum, leading to favorable long-term outcomes.
Abstract:
M-mode echocardiography displayed abnormal echoes in the left atrium and posterior to the mitral leaflets in a child with severe heart failure. Cor triatriatum was demonstrated by angiography and cured by surgical excision. Subsequent echo studies no longer showed the abnormal structure.