Obstructed Supramitral Inflow: Cor Triatriatum Sinister Presentation in Adulthood

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by an intra-atrial septum dividing the chamber.
• Typically, symptoms manifest in infancy or early childhood due to impaired blood flow.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old male presented with progressive dyspnea over years.
• Symptoms were attributed to restricted cor triatriatum sinister, leading to diminished mitral valve inflow.

Findings:

• The patient had associated pulmonary hypertension, tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, and atrial fibrillation.
• Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography precisely evaluated the cor triatriatum sinister's morphology and hemodynamic impact.

Implications:

• This case underscores the possibility of late-onset symptoms in cor triatriatum.
• Accurate echocardiographic assessment is crucial for managing complex adult congenital heart disease cases.