Intussusception of the Left Atrial Appendage: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Left atrial appendage (LAA) intussusception is an uncommon condition with limited awareness in clinical settings.
• Existing knowledge gaps necessitate a comprehensive overview of LAA intussusception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive and updated systematic review of left atrial appendage intussusception.
• To consolidate current knowledge on the demographics, diagnosis, and management of LAA intussusception.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major scientific databases.
• Twenty-five case reports involving adult patients diagnosed with LAA intussusception were included.

Main Results:

• The median age of affected patients was 54 years, with a slight female predominance (53%).
• Diagnosis was often intraoperative (60%) or incidental via imaging (20%).
• Transesophageal echocardiography was commonly used; intervention resolved most cases (60%).

Conclusions:

• This systematic review represents the largest to date on adult LAA intussusception.
• Physicians must recognize LAA intussusception to prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate management.
• Increased awareness is crucial for timely recognition and effective treatment of this rare condition.