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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
08:17
Murine Echocardiography of Left Atrium, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery
Published on: February 20, 2017
Intrapericardial left atrial aneurysm: noninvasive diagnosis
G Sigfússon1, S C Park, J A Ettedgui
1Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3705 Fifth Avenue at DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Pediatric Cardiology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
A rare heart defect, left atrial intrapericardial aneurysm, was diagnosed in a 10-year-old girl. Surgical removal is advised due to potential serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Intrapericardial aneurysm of the left atrium is an exceptionally rare congenital cardiac anomaly.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing severe complications.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old girl presented with an abnormal left heart border on chest radiography.
- Echocardiography facilitated the initial diagnosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging provided detailed morphological information and spatial relationships.
Findings:
- The case highlights the successful diagnosis of a rare left atrial intrapericardial aneurysm.
- Multimodality imaging, including echocardiography and MRI, is effective in characterizing this anomaly.
Implications:
- Surgical excision of intrapericardial left atrial aneurysms is recommended.
- Prompt surgical intervention can mitigate risks of serious complications such as rupture or thromboembolism.
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