Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Giant left atrium and management modalities (surgical vs. conservative): a case report from Mauritania
Echreiva Med Sidi El Moctar1, Chighaly El Hadj Sidi2, Mohammed Abdulrazzak3
1Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Introduction And Importance:
Giant left atrium (GLA) is a rare condition often associated with rheumatic heart disease and can lead to cardiac and extracardiac complications. In this case report, the authors present a rare case of GLA with extracardiac complications, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and management.
Case Presentation:
A 54-year-old woman with a 25-year history of mitral stenosis caused by rheumatic heart disease presented with symptoms of dyspnea, orthopnea, and palpitations. Diagnostic tests revealed an enlarged left atrium, pleural effusion, severe pulmonary hypertension, and tricuspid regurgitation. The patient was treated with diuretics and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and is currently on a medication regimen with regular follow-up appointments.
Clinical Discussion:
GLA can cause cardiac and extracardiac complications, and conservative treatment and surgery are both involved in the management plan. The reduction of left atrial size by surgery may eliminate symptoms, reduce postoperative complications, and increase the probability of regaining sinus rhythm.
Conclusion:
Observational data on managing GLA is limited, and mortality can be high. Cardiovascular surgeons should carefully consider surgical options, and screening and follow-up are essential for early detection and management in patients with long-standing rheumatic heart disease.
More Related Videos
08:42Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
13:10Direct 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
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests