Surgical experience with cor triatriatum repair beyond infancy

Area of Science:

• Congenital Heart Surgery
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery Outcomes

Background:

• Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by a membrane dividing the left atrium.
• Presentation age varies based on associated anomalies and communication size.
• Surgical outcomes for cor triatriatum repair beyond infancy are presented.

Observation:

• 14 patients underwent surgical correction for cor triatriatum between January 2009 and June 2019.
• Mean age at surgery was 12.14 years (range 1-29 years).
• 85.71% had associated defects, most commonly atrial septal defect; 28.57% had partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection; 57.14% had severe pulmonary hypertension.

Findings:

• All patients underwent membrane excision and simultaneous repair of associated defects.
• Postoperative pulmonary artery pressures significantly reduced in most patients.
• No early or midterm mortality or reintervention occurred over a mean follow-up of 58.06 months.

Implications:

• Surgical correction of cor triatriatum in older children and adults is safe and effective.
• The procedure can reverse pulmonary artery hypertension.
• Excellent midterm outcomes support surgical intervention for cor triatriatum presenting beyond infancy.