Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
08:42

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

[Incidental diagnosis of cor triatriatum sinister in a young woman]

Rita Cristina Myriam Intravaia1, Michele Massimo Gulizia1

  • 1U.O.C. Cardiologia con UTIC, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione "Garibaldi", P.O. "Garibaldi-Nesima", Catania.

Giornale Italiano Di Cardiologia (2006)
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is a rare congenital heart defect where a membrane divides the left atrium. Echocardiography is key for diagnosing CTS in adults and guiding management, even in asymptomatic cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Congenital Heart Disease
  • Cardiac Imaging

Background:

  • Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is a rare congenital heart defect, affecting 0.1-0.4% of cases.
  • It is characterized by a fibromuscular septum dividing the left atrium into two chambers.
  • Diagnosis in adulthood is uncommon, often incidental.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of incidentally diagnosed Cor triatriatum sinister in a 37-year-old woman.
  • To highlight the role of echocardiography in diagnosis and risk stratification.
  • To discuss the management of asymptomatic CTS in adults.

Main Methods:

  • Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for initial assessment.
  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for detailed characterization.
  • Classification using the Loeffler criteria.

Main Results:

  • Incidental diagnosis of CTS in a 37-year-old woman presenting with chest pain.
  • TTE revealed a left intra-atrial membrane; TEE confirmed no significant hemodynamic impact.
  • Patient classified as Loeffler group III due to membrane patency and non-significant gradient.
  • No significant associated cardiac anomalies were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing and assessing the hemodynamic significance of CTS in adults.
  • Asymptomatic patients with non-obstructive CTS generally have a favorable prognosis.
  • Long-term arrhythmia monitoring is recommended due to risks of atrial fibrillation and cardioembolic events.

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...
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...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
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...