Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

100
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
100
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

1.8K
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
1.8K
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

108
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
108
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

109
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
109
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

290
Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
290
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization01:21

Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

274
Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
274

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Correction for: miR-21 upregulation exacerbates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in aged hearts.

Aging·2026
Same author

Cardiac extracellular vesicle proteomics identifies mitochondrial and contractile dysfunction in carbon monoxide poisoning and their reversal by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)·2026
Same author

2026 Expert Consensus Recommendations on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Report of the Task Force of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology.

Acta Cardiologica Sinica·2026
Same author

Understanding the cardiology training landscape in Asia-Pacific region.

Postgraduate medical journal·2026
Same author

Engineering an Optogenetic pH-Modulator in Bacteria.

Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)·2026
Same author

Minimally Invasive, Echocardiography-Guided Mouse Model of Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation Recapitulates Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmogenesis.

Journal of the American Heart Association·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA
13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA

Published on: April 24, 2017

18.8K

A Rare Cause of Left Atrium Compression.

Sih-Yao Chen1, Han Siong Toh2,3, Wei-Ting Chang3,4,5

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center.

International Heart Journal
|July 8, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Esophageal achalasia can rarely cause extrinsic compression of the left atrium (LA), leading to symptoms like dysphagia and dyspnea. Prompt diagnosis through imaging and clinical evaluation is key for managing this rare condition.

Keywords:
Esophageal achalasiaEsophagographyParoxysmal atrial fibrillationTransthoracic echocardiography

More Related Videos

Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat
08:34

Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat

Published on: November 18, 2018

7.4K
Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption
12:43

Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption

Published on: August 16, 2016

20.5K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA
13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA

Published on: April 24, 2017

18.8K
Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat
08:34

Left Atrial Stenosis Induced Pulmonary Venous Arterialization and Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat

Published on: November 18, 2018

7.4K
Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption
12:43

Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption

Published on: August 16, 2016

20.5K

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Esophageal achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder.
  • Extrinsic compression of the left atrium (LA) by esophageal achalasia is an exceptionally rare complication.
  • This condition can manifest with dysphagia, dyspnea, and potentially hemodynamic compromise.

Observation:

  • A 59-year-old man presented with palpitations, heartburn, dysphagia, and acute chest compression/breathlessness after eating.
  • Chest X-ray showed a dilated mediastinum; ECG indicated left atrial enlargement; Holter revealed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
  • Transthoracic echocardiogram and CT scan revealed esophageal dilatation compressing the LA; barium swallow showed a "bird beak" sign.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with extrinsic compression of the left atrium due to esophageal achalasia.
  • This diagnosis was confirmed through a combination of clinical presentation, imaging studies (echocardiography, CT, barium swallow), and electrocardiography.
  • Literature review highlighted the rarity and typical clinical manifestations of this condition.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider esophageal achalasia when patients present with dysphagia and concurrent chest symptoms like tightness, palpitations, and dyspnea.
  • A thorough patient history, targeted physical examination, and judicious use of diagnostic imaging are crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis.
  • Early recognition and management are essential for preventing potential complications and improving patient outcomes.