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[Cor triatriatum with atrial fibrillation as initial symptom in adults]
K Andersen1, E S Myhre, G Smith
1Medisinsk avdeling, Regionsykehuset i Tromsø.
Insights
Cor triatriatum, a rare congenital heart defect, involves a membrane dividing the left atrium. This case highlights successful surgical correction in a young adult, improving diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart anomaly characterized by a fibromuscular membrane dividing the left atrium.
- This anatomical variation obstructs pulmonary venous return to the mitral valve, often mimicking mitral stenosis symptoms.
- Historically diagnosed predominantly in pediatric populations, adult presentations are increasingly recognized.
Abstract:
Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart disease. In its classic form its consists of a fibromuscular perforated membrane which divides the left atrium and obstructs blood flow from pulmonary veins to mitral orifice. Clinical symptoms and signs resemble those of mitral stenosis. Traditionally cor triatriatum was encountered most often in infancy and childhood. We describe the case of a young man with cor triatriatum and atrial fibrillation, with syncope. He was operated on with total resection of the obstructing membrane. Modern echocardiography has made diagnosis more easy. Thus, an increasing number of cases of cor triatriatum are diagnosed in adults with few or no symptoms. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are discussed, with emphasis on these patients.