Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Prognostic Indicators in Heart Failure - The Role of Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Published on: June 30, 2023
Cor Triatriatum: Case Report of Emergency Department Diagnosis
Camille Halfman1, Asalim Thabet1, Rebecca Blue1
1SUNY Upstate Medical University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Syracuse, New York.
Insights
Cor triatriatum, a rare congenital heart defect, can mimic asthma in older children. Delayed diagnosis requires considering rare conditions when common treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart anomaly characterized by an intra-atrial septum dividing the left atrium.
- In rare cases, diagnosis is delayed beyond infancy, leading to atypical presentations.
Observation:
- A pediatric patient with a prior asthma diagnosis presented with persistent wheezing unresponsive to standard asthma treatment.
- The patient's symptoms mimicked reactive airway disease, delaying definitive diagnosis.
Findings:
- Cor triatriatum sinister was diagnosed via advanced imaging in an older child.
- This case highlights the challenge of diagnosing congenital heart defects presenting in later childhood.
Implications:
- Emergency physicians should consider rare cardiac anomalies in pediatric patients with refractory wheezing.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of cor triatriatum are crucial for appropriate management and improved outcomes.
Abstract:
Cor triatriatum is a rare, congenital heart defect. When diagnosis does not occur in infancy, primary symptoms in an older patient may mimic reactive airway disease. We report a case of cor triatriatum in an older child, previously diagnosed with asthma, presenting to an emergency department with a chief complaint of wheezing. Initial treatment with bronchodilators and corticosteroids was unsuccessful, prompting thorough evaluation. Subsequent imaging diagnosed cor triatriatum sinister. When presentations consistent with common conditions, such as asthma, do not respond appropriately to classic intervention, emergency physicians must be prepared to consider alternative and rare diagnosis.
More Related Videos
07:52Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
09:52Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Emerging Adulthood
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Data Reporting and Recording
Nursing Diagnosis
The nursing diagnosis focuses on evidence-based...
meta-Directing Deactivators: –NO2, –CN, –CHO, –⁠CO2R, –COR, –CO2H
Types of Reports I: Hands-off Report
Following are the key components and categories of hand-off reports:
Purpose and Process: