A Rare Cause of Shock in an Infant: Cor Triatriatum

Tatyana Vayngortin1, Howard Rosenfeld2, Karim Mansour1

  • 1From the Departments of Emergency Medicine.

Insights

Diagnosing congenital heart disease in infants is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms. Early echocardiogram is crucial for identifying rare conditions like cor triatriatum, requiring prompt surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) often exhibit nonspecific symptoms mimicking infections.
  • Standard treatments for suspected sepsis or respiratory illness can exacerbate CHD, complicating diagnosis and management.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis of CHD in infants is critical for timely intervention and improved outcomes.

Observation:

  • An 8-week-old infant presented with prolonged viral symptoms, progressing to shock.
  • Initial presentation mimicked common infant infections, delaying definitive diagnosis.
  • Echocardiography was essential in identifying cor triatriatum, a rare form of CHD.

Findings:

  • Cor triatriatum was diagnosed via echocardiogram in an infant presenting with shock.
  • This rare congenital heart defect necessitates urgent surgical repair.
  • The case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations of CHD.

Implications:

  • Congenital heart disease should be a key consideration in the differential diagnosis of infants presenting with shock.
  • Prompt echocardiographic evaluation is vital for infants with concerning symptoms.
  • Timely surgical intervention for conditions like cor triatriatum can be life-saving.

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