Related Experiment Videos
[Cor triatriatum in adulthood]
Insights
Cor triatriatum, a rare heart anomaly, was diagnosed in two adults. Surgical removal of the dividing membrane in one patient significantly improved their condition, showcasing effective treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart anomaly characterized by an intra-atrial membrane dividing the left atrium.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and patient outcomes.
Observation:
- Two adult cases of Cor triatriatum are presented, diagnosed via echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal).
- Diagnostic imaging, including Color Doppler, delineated membrane openings and assessed hemodynamic significance.
- Case 2 demonstrated a hemodynamically insignificant anomaly due to a large membrane opening (2.1 cm).
Findings:
- Transthoracic 2-D echocardiography provided definitive diagnosis in Case 1.
- Transesophageal echocardiography was essential for diagnosis in Case 2.
- Right-heart catheterization in Case 1 revealed abnormal hemodynamics, indicating surgical intervention.
- Successful surgical excision of the intra-atrial membrane was performed in Case 1.
Implications:
- Echocardiography is a key diagnostic tool for Cor triatriatum in adults.
- Surgical intervention can effectively treat symptomatic Cor triatriatum, leading to significant patient improvement.
- Understanding the hemodynamic impact is vital for determining the need for surgical correction.
Abstract:
Cor triatriatum was diagnosed in a 32-year-old woman (Case 1) and a 36-year-old man (Case 2). The definitive diagnosis in Case 1 was made by transthoracic 2-D echocardiography, in Case 2 (after a chance finding) only after additional transoesophageal echocardiography. Colour Doppler echo in Case 1 provided information on the number and localization of membrane openings, while in Case 2 simultaneous measurement of maximal flow velocity and normal right-sided pressures indicated that the anomaly was haemodynamically insignificant owing to the size of the central opening in the membrane (maximal diameter 2.1 cm). In Case 1, abnormal haemodynamic findings on right-heart catheterization provided the indication for surgery and the membrane was successfully removed. Postoperatively the patient was much improved and cardiac catheterization demonstrated normal values.