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Published on: June 11, 2019
Cor triatriatum simulating a left atrial mass in adult patient
Alexandre Semionov1, Juan Batlle2, Karl Sayegh2
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Ave., Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada.
Insights
A rare heart condition, cor triatriatum sinister, can mimic a cardiac mass on CT scans. This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis in patients with chest pain.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare congenital heart anomaly.
- It involves an abnormal membrane dividing the left atrium.
- This can lead to symptoms mimicking other cardiac conditions.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old man presented with acute chest pain.
- A thoracic CT angiogram suggested a cardiac mass.
- Cardiovascular work-up, including cardiac CT and MRI, was performed.
Findings:
- The cardiac mass was determined to be non-thrombosed.
- The diagnosis of cor triatriatum sinister was established.
- The condition was considered presumably coincidental.
Implications:
- Cor triatriatum sinister can present atypically, mimicking other pathologies.
- Advanced imaging modalities are crucial for differentiating cardiac masses from congenital anomalies.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate patient management and treatment planning.
Abstract:
We report a case of non-thrombosed cor triatriatum sinister simulating a cardiac mass on thoracic CT angiogram in a 58-year-old man presenting with acute chest pain. Following additional imaging with cardiac CT and MRI, and otherwise unremarkable cardio-pulmonary work-up, diagnosis of presumably coincidental cor triatriatum was established.
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