Cor Triatriatum: an uncommon congenital anomaly - the experience of a tertiary care center in a developing country

Background

Cor Triatriatum is a congenital anomaly characterized by the abnormal presence of a fibromuscular junction in one of the atria, as seen on echocardiography. This anomaly can lead to major hemodynamic problems and obstruction of blood flow. This study aims to explore the risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and surgical interventions used to tackle this congenital anomaly at a tertiary care center over an 18-year period.

Materials and methods

Medical records of congenital heart disease patients at the Children's Heart Center at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 2006 and 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collection included demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, hospitalization details, and surgical treatment. Ethical approval was obtained, and descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis using SAS 9.4.

Results

At our center, 7 patients were diagnosed with Cor Triatriatum, with a median age of 5 months. 4 of the patients were female, 3 were males, and the median hospital stay was 7 days. All patients were diagnosed with Cor Triatriatum Sinister, and respiratory symptoms were prevalent. Pulmonary vein abnormalities were observed in 4 ouf of 7 (57.1%) patients and atrial septal defects in 2 out of 7 patients (28.5%). Surgery resulted in successful membrane resection for all operated patients, with significant symptom improvement postoperatively.

Conclusion

Cor Triatriatum is a rare congenital anomaly requiring early detection and diagnosis. Surgical intervention remains the mainstay of treatment, with favorable outcomes when performed promptly. Larger studies are recommended to optimize management strategies and improve long-term outcomes for affected patients.

An uncommon cardiovascular abnormality: Case report of core triatriatum associated with persistent left superior vena cava and coronary sinus dilation

Cor triatriatum is an uncommon cardiac defect that occurs in 0.1-0.4% of congenital heart disease patients. It is characterized by a fibromuscular membrane separating the left (sinister) or the right (Dexter) atriums in tow chambers. The disease is usually discovered accidently in late childhood, usually as a result of a moderate form of this condition type. We discuss the case of a 14-year-old girl who had been experiencing exertional dyspnea and palpitations for about a year. She was referred to our hospital for assessment after an initial echocardiogram at another hospital revealed a mass around the left atrium. Repeated echocardiography at our institution revealed dilated coronary sinus, confusing the diagnosis. The left atrium was dilated and divided into 2 chambers by a thin membrane with an elevated pressure gradient between the 2 chambers. Cardiac CT and MRI confirmed the diagnosis of cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) with concomitant persisting left superior vena cava. Because of her symptoms, she was started medical treatment and referred for surgical evaluation. Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is frequently accompanied with atrial septal abnormalities and enlarged coronary sinus caused by a persistent left superior vena cava, as demonstrated in our case. The management of cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is determined by the severity of the symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals with no pressure gradient do not require therapy; however, significant membrane obstruction may require surgical removal, which typically leads to positive short- and long-term outcomes.

Clinical case of Cor triatriatum sinister, a dilemma of anticoagulation: A case report and literature review

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart abnormality in which a membrane separates the left atrium (LA; sinister) or the right atrium (dexter) into two compartments. It is also a long-forgotten cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) and substantially higher rates of blood stagnation, particularly proximal to the additional septum in the LA. In this case report, we faced a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 in patients with non-valvular AF due to Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS). The decision to start anticoagulants in this particular case was controversial, so we reviewed the literature to assess and address it. We present our case and discuss the indication of anticoagulants in this unique clinical scenario, accompanied by a literature review. Facing this dilemma of starting anticoagulants in special cases of CTS and AF should be individualized and need more investigation. However, till this moment, based on similar reports, it seems to be rational to consider CTS Per se as an additional risk stratification marker beyond the CHA2DS2-VASc score start anticoagulant until the surgical resection. Considering CTS as the sole indication of anticoagulant in patients with normal sinus rhythm is a complex matter that needs further investigation.

Cor Triatriatum Sinister Presenting as Cardioembolic Stroke in a Young Woman

Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by an additional fibromuscular membrane in the left atrium. Cardioembolic stroke is a rare complication of cor triatriatum sinister, especially among women. We hereby describe the case of an 18-year-old female patient, without a past medical history, presenting with cardioembolic stroke in the territory of the right posterior cerebral artery. During extensive diagnostic work-up, nonrestrictive cor triatriatum sinister and patent foramen ovale were diagnosed using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. In clinical practice, it is important to identify congenital cardiac defects as potential substrates for cardioembolism in young patients. In our case, cor triatriatum sinister presenting as ischemic stroke was diagnosed, which is an uncommon finding, especially in young females. Determining the optimal management strategy for patients with cor triatriatum sinister complicated by cardioembolic stroke requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Successful radiofrequency perforation and balloon decompression of cor triatriatum sinister using novel technique, a case series

Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly representing <0.1% of all congenital cardiac malformations. It is characterized by the presence of a left atrial (LA) membrane that leads to left ventricular inflow obstruction. Uncorrected, obstructed CTS may have significant sequelae such as pulmonary hypertension or arrhythmias. Transcatheter balloon decompression has been described as a successful alternative to surgical resection of the obstructing membrane. Our review of the literature revealed no reported cases utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy to perforate the CTS membrane prior to balloon decompression. This manuscript describes two patients with CTS who were treated successfully with a transcatheter technique using RF energy to perforate the obstructing membrane prior to balloon angioplasty and decompression of the LA.

Surgical management of divided atrial chambers

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The morphological variations when one, or both, of the atrial chambers is subdivided, are many and varied. We sought to address clinical presentations, potentially misdiagnosed cases, diagnostic modalities, surgical approaches, and outcomes of this "family" of uncommon lesions.

METHODS

A total of 193 published investigations were synthesized. Diagnostic information was provided by clinical presentation, and multimodality imaging studies.

RESULTS

Almost three-quarters of patients with divided atrial chambers present during infancy with severe pulmonary hypertension and cardiac failure. Associated cardiac and extra-cardiac defects are present in between half and nine-tenths of cases. Acquired division of the left atrium has been reported after the Fontan operation, orthotopic cardiac transplantation, and complicated aortic valvar infective endocarditis. Surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass remains the definitive treatment. Balloon dilation may be considered in anatomically compatible variants in the setting of cardiac failure and pregnancy as a bridge todefinitive treatment. Overall, mortality has been cited between nil to 29%. Presentation during infancy, associated congenital anomalies, pulmonary hypertension, and surgery in the previous era, have been the reported causes of death. The operative survivors have long-term favourable outcomes, with near normal cardiac dimensions and low risk of recurrence. While asymptomatic patients with division of the right atrium do not need treatment, surgical resection of the dividing partition under cardiopulmonary bypass is recommended in symptomatic patients with complex anatomy, the spinnaker malformation, or associated cardiac anomalies. Balloon dilation may be considered in uncomplicated patients with less obstructive lesions. Hybrid intervention and endoscopic robotic correction also have been performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of the dividing shelf allows the survivors to regain near normal dimensions with a low risk of recurrence. We submit that an increased appreciation of the anatomic background to division of the atrial chambers will contribute to improved surgical management.

Mid-term outcomes of cor triatriatum repair: comparison of biventricular physiology and univentricular physiology

BACKGROUND

Cor triatriatum is the rarest of all congenital cardiac diseases, accounting for 0.1-0.4% of congenital heart diseases. Atrial septal defect is the most common associated defect; however, cor triatriatum is sometimes associated with univentricular heart.

METHODS

This single-centre retrospective study involved all patients who underwent the repair of cor triatriatum at Kobe Children's Hospital between 2000 and 2020. Twenty-four patients were required surgery. We conducted a survey of survival rate, early and late pulmonary vein stenosis in each group.

RESULTS

The survival rate of 5 years after cor triatriatum resection was 100% in the biventricular group and 82.1% in the univentricular group, respectively. The free rate for pulmonary stenosis of 5 years after surgery was 100% in the biventricular group and 90.0% in the univentricular group, respectively. There was no statistical difference in survival rate and 5 years free rate for pulmonary stenosis after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that surgical correction offers good early and mid-term outcomes for both cor triatriatum with biventricular and univentricular physiologies.