Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

3.7K

Idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium masking left atrial aneurysm in a neonate

N Forderer1, H Akintürk1, C Jux1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Pediatric Heart Center, University of Giessen, Giessen, HE, Germany.

Cardiology in the Young
|July 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Idiopathic right atrial enlargement is rare, with no clear management guidelines. This case study details a neonate

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Malformations

Background:

  • Idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium is an extremely rare cardiac malformation.
  • Established management guidelines for this condition are lacking, particularly regarding medical versus surgical approaches and optimal timing for intervention.
  • This rarity poses significant challenges for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of idiopathic right atrial enlargement in a neonate.
  • To discuss the management challenges and outcomes associated with this rare condition.
  • To highlight the complexities of surgical intervention and potential postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

  • Conservative management was initiated in a neonate diagnosed with idiopathic right atrial enlargement.
  • Surgical resection of the right atrial aneurysm was performed at 5 months of age.
  • Postoperative monitoring and evaluation were conducted to assess outcomes and detect complications.

Main Results:

  • The neonate initially received conservative treatment for 5 months.
  • Surgical resection of the right atrial aneurysm was performed.
  • Unexpected complications arose post-surgery, including the demasking of a second aneurysm in the left atrium.
  • Progressive dilatation of both atrial chambers was observed, necessitating ongoing monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • The management of idiopathic right atrial enlargement in neonates is complex and lacks established protocols.
  • Surgical intervention, while sometimes necessary, carries risks of unexpected complications and de novo malformations.
  • Long-term follow-up and continuous evaluation are crucial for patients with atrial aneurysms, especially after surgical resection.

Keywords:
Idiopathic enlargement of the right atriumcongenital dilatation of the right atriumgiant right atriumidiopathic atrial dilatation

More Related Videos

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet09:22

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet

Published on: November 4, 2015

12.3K
Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery08:17

Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery

Published on: February 20, 2017

14.4K

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

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...
27
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

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...
18
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

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...
13
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
18
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
23
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
14