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Ayala Torres JD, Sepulveda Gallego JA, Gonzalez Gonzalez M. Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e56280. [PMID: 38623095 PMCID: PMC11018009 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The left atrial appendage aneurysm is an uncommon condition that has garnered attention from the medical community due to its low incidence and varied clinical manifestations. The difficulty in identification is reflected in its incidental detection in imaging studies such as echocardiograms and tomographies, while symptoms range from mild to severe, including heart failure and thromboembolic events. The complex etiology includes congenital and acquired factors, and its management focuses on preventing complications through surgical resection, accompanied by medical strategies such as controlling heart rhythm and anticoagulation. The case of a 67-year-old woman with significant medical history illustrates these challenges. Despite an inconclusive initial diagnosis, a tomography revealed an aneurysm with an intracavitary thrombus, leading to successful surgical resection. However, subsequent infectious complications resulted in her death. The average age of diagnosis is around 30 years, and while it is more common in women, there are no significant gender differences. Surgical management remains the preferred option, especially in severe cases, although in some patients, a watchful waiting approach is chosen. In conclusion, the left atrial appendage aneurysm is a complex entity that requires a multidisciplinary approach to improve clinical outcomes. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life of affected patients.
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Oda S, Nakano T, Kado H. Expansion of a Huge Compressive Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm in a 29-Day-Old Infant. Ann Thorac Surg 2020; 110:e521-e523. [PMID: 32511992 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2020.04.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of symptomatic and progressive enlargement of a huge left atrial appendage aneurysm in a 29-day-old infant. The aneurysm was detected by fetal echocardiography and exertional dyspnea developed during the neonatal period. The aneurysm was successfully resected by decompressing the aneurysm using cardiopulmonary bypass without cardiac arrest. Our findings suggest that fetal echocardiography enables early diagnosis of the rare left atrial appendage aneurysm, and early surgical resection may protect affected patients from life-threatening symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Oda
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Toshihide Nakano
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kado
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fukuoka Children's Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
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Aryal MR, Hakim FA, Ghimire S, Ghimire S, Giri S, Pandit A, Bhandari Y, Bhandari N, Pathak R, Karmacharya P, Pradhan R. Left atrial appendage aneurysm: a systematic review of 82 cases. Echocardiography 2014; 31:1312-8. [PMID: 24976376 DOI: 10.1111/echo.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aneurysm of the left atrial appendage is rare. We sought to systematically review the published literature on left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) to address its demographic features, clinical characteristics, treatment, complications, and outcomes. METHODOLOGY A systematic electronic search of Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE for case reports, case series, and related articles of LAAA published from 1962 until July 2013 was carried out. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Logistic Regression Analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of LAAA-related thrombus formation and embolism. RESULTS Eighty-two cases of LAAA were identified. There was a slight female preponderance and most of the patients presented in their third decades. Palpitation, dyspnea or both were most common clinical symptoms associated with LAAA. Echocardiography was the main diagnostic modality used and the mean size of aneurysm was 7.08 ± 3.03 × 5.75 ± 2.36 cm. Surgical resection of the aneurysm was performed in most patients with favorable results. Systemic embolism and atrial tachyarrhythmias were the two common complications associated with untreated LAAA. Presence of atrial fibrillation/flutter was the only significant predictor of thrombus formation/embolic events. CONCLUSION Aneurysm of left atrial appendage is rare and often an incidental diagnosis during echocardiography. It is important to recognize this entity since it is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by predisposing to atrial tachyarrhythmia and thromboembolism. Surgical resection is the standard of treatment in the current literature. Medical management is directed toward the treatment of thromboembolism and atrial tachyarrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madan Raj Aryal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reading Health System, West Reading, Pennsylvania
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Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Rare Cause of Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia. Heart Lung Circ 2008; 17:246-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2007.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2006] [Revised: 02/28/2007] [Accepted: 04/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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5
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Wang D, Holden B, Savage C, Zhang K, Zwischenberger JB. Giant left atrial intrapericardial aneurysm: noninvasive preoperative imaging. Ann Thorac Surg 2001; 71:1014-6. [PMID: 11269416 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-4975(00)02447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Congenital giant intrapericardial aneurysms of the left atrium are rare. A 17-year-old boy presented with paroxysmal episodes of palpitations, chest pain, and dyspnea. A chest roentgenogram showed an enlarged left cardiac silhouette. Transthoracic echocardiography imaging showed an intrapericardial aneurysm of the left atrium. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis and delineated adjacent structures to plan the surgical resection. We have found no previous reports of cases of diagnosis and preoperative assessment based solely on noninvasive imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of Tongji Medical University, Wuhan, China
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Kwan CM, Tsai LM, Lin LJ, Yang YJ, Chen JH. Congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm with thrombus formation: diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 1993; 21:480-483. [PMID: 8370812 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.1870210715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C M Kwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Comess KA, Labate DP, Winter JA, Hill AC, Miller DC. Congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm with intact pericardium: diagnosis by transesophageal echocardiography. Am Heart J 1990; 120:992-6. [PMID: 2220557 DOI: 10.1016/0002-8703(90)90226-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K A Comess
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128
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Pinamonti B, Alberti E, Buttignol G, Cristaldi A, Camerini F. Echocardiographic diagnosis of congenital left atrial aneurysm. Am Heart J 1986; 111:406-9. [PMID: 3946182 DOI: 10.1016/0002-8703(86)90160-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Abstract
Congenital intrapericardial aneurysmal dilatation of the left atrial appendage is a rare but correctable lesion. One such patient who underwent aneurysmectomy is described, and the literature is reviewed.
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10
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Abstract
Left atrial aneurysm is a rare condition. Only 29 cases have been reported, to our knowledge. We report 1 such case in a 24-year-old man who complained of dyspnea and arrhythmias. Diagnosis was suspected on review of chest roentgenogram and confirmed by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Surgical repair was achieved without complications, and preoperative symptoms disappeared completely. According to the literature, these patients are almost always asymptomatic. When present, the most common symptoms are arrhythmias, heart failure, emboli, and chest pain. This lesion is seen mainly in young adults (mean age, 23.5 years). The diagnosis should be confirmed by echocardiography, nuclear imaging, and cardiac catheterization. A review of the literature indicates that surgical repair can be accomplished with low mortality and that arrhythmias usually disappear postoperatively.
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Plain Chest Radiography of Rheumatic Heart Disease. Cardiol Clin 1983. [DOI: 10.1016/s0733-8651(18)30777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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12
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Foale RA, Gibson TC, Guyer DE, Gillam L, King ME, Weyman AE. Congenital aneurysms of the left atrium: recognition by cross-sectional echocardiography. Circulation 1982; 66:1065-9. [PMID: 7127690 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.66.5.1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The two-dimensional echocardiographic features of three patients with congenital aneurysms of the left atrium are described. The aneurysm arose from the left atrial appendage in two patients and from the posterior left atrial wall in one. The aneurysms were characterized by their origin from an otherwise normal left atrium, a well-defined neck, their position within the pericardial space, and distortion of the left ventricular free wall by the aneurysmal body. The differentiation of these structures from other abnormalities of the left atrium are also discussed. Two-dimensional echocardiography is a safe and reliable method for diagnosing congenital aneurysm of the left atrium, and such studies should be considered in any patient with an otherwise unexplained abnormality on the chest radiograph.
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Bramlet DA, Edwards JE. Congenital aneurysm of left atrial appendage. BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 1981; 45:97-100. [PMID: 7459169 PMCID: PMC482494 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.45.1.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Congenital aneurysm of the left atrial appendage is a rare anomaly, usually presenting in adult life. The case reported is that of a 55-year-old man who died of cerebral embolism originating from a thrombus in a congenital aneurysm of the left atrial appendage. The cardiac silhouette 11 years previously had suggested a cardiac tumour or a pericardial cyst. As judged frm 14 published cases, the major manifestations of these aneurysms are an abnormal cardiac silhouette in the x-ray, supraventricular tachycardia, and systemic embolism. Angiocardiography appears to be the method of choice in establishing the diagnosis. Resection of th aneurysm is the recommended form of treatment.
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Abstract
A 24-year-old housewife with congenital aneurysm of the left atrial appendage underwent a successful operation for its removal. Operation, using cardiopulmonary bypass, is indicated in all patients with atrial aneurysm. The procedure has proved uniformly safe and successful.
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de Feyter PJ, Zienkowicz BS, Heidendal GA, Majid PA, Roos JP. Radionuclide angiography in the diagnosis of congenital intrapericardial aneurysm of the left atrial appendage. Thorax 1980; 35:154-5. [PMID: 7376121 PMCID: PMC471243 DOI: 10.1136/thx.35.2.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Abstract
A 2-year old asymptomatic girl is presented in whom the chest x-ray film led to the discovery of a grossly distorted cardiac shadow. Angiocardiography showed a giant aneurysm originating from the left atrium. At operation an intrapericardial aneurysm of the left atrial appendage, measuring 12 X 4 X 4 cm, was found. It communicated with the left atrium through an orifice measuring 3 cm. The aneurysm was excised.
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Kelley MJ, Elliott LP, Shulman ST, Ayoub EM, Victorica BE, Gessner IH. The significance of the left atrial appendage in rheumatic heart disease. Circulation 1976; 54:146-53. [PMID: 132312 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.54.1.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The possible diagnostic value of an enlarged left atrial appendage (LAA) on the posterior-anterior or right anterior oblique chest film as a means of implicating a rheumatic etiology for mitral valve disease in children was investigated. Chest films were examined without prior knowledge of clinical or laboratory data, and the results were later correlated with this information in 113 children and adolescents. The clinical and laboratory data included application of the modified Jones criteria for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever, streptococcal antibody titers and clinical and cardiac catheterization findings. In children with mitral valve disease, our data suggest that as enlarged LAA, especially in the presence of pulmonary venous obstruction, is characteristic of rheumatic heart disease. This finding appears to be particularly useful, in conjunction with streptococcal antibody studies, in distinguishing rheumatic from nonrheumatic patients with mitral insufficiency.
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Wang T, Anagnostopoulos CE, Resnekov L. Aneurysm of the body of the left atrium presenting with chest pain. Chest 1975; 67:226-8. [PMID: 1116401 DOI: 10.1378/chest.67.2.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A patient with aneurysm of the body of the left atrium presenting with angina pectoris and mild congestive heart failure, but completely normal coronary arteriograms, is reported. A deverticulum seen in the left ventricular angiogram, read as a ventricular diverticulum, was found at surgery to be an aneurysm of the body of the left atrium. The possible etiologics and complications of the left atrial aneurysm are briefly discussed.
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Abstract
A patient with congenital intrapericardial aneurysm/diverticulum of the left atrium diagnosed preoperatively is described. A review of the 16 previously reported cases revealed that the majority of the patients present with palpitation and are found to have an abnormal cardiac shadow on chest radiography, as did this patient. The aneurysm appears to cause systemic emboli and paroxysmal or persistent atrial tachyarrhythmias which are often resistant to medical therapy. The presence of the aneurysm is suggested by an abnormal contour of the left cardiac border in the postero-anterior chest radiograph and this can be confirmed by angiocardiography. Surgical excision of the aneurysm is indicated in all patients to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of systemic emboli and atrial arrhythmias. Our patient has remained free of symptoms since her operation 14 months ago.
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Abstract
A case of herniation of the left atrial appendage, through a defect in the pericardium, is described in a 16-year-old boy who was below the third percentile for height and weight. The clinical presentation was an acute pericarditis. Widespread inversion of T waves on the electrocardiogram and collapse of the lower lobe of the left lung with pleural effusion developed. Thoracotomy showed strangulation of the atrial appendage which was excised, and the pericardial defect repaired. After operation there was a striking improvement in the electrocardiogram and a rapid gain in weight. Syndromes caused by pericardial defects are reviewed.
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Hansen JF, Rygg I, Efsen F. Intrapericardial left atrial aneurysm. Report of a case and a review of the literature. Am Heart J 1974; 87:113-6. [PMID: 4808747 DOI: 10.1016/0002-8703(74)90399-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Chauvel PJ, McCredie RM. Dilatation of the left atrium. AUSTRALIAN PAEDIATRIC JOURNAL 1973; 9:103-5. [PMID: 4718796 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.1973.tb01860.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Hoeffel JC, Henry M, Pernot C. A new case of congenital partial pericardial defect with preoperative diagnosis. AUSTRALIAN PAEDIATRIC JOURNAL 1973; 9:99-102. [PMID: 4718802 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.1973.tb01859.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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25
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Wang K, Amplatz K, Gobel FL. Isolated calcification in a dilated left atrial appendage in the absence of mitral stenosis. Am J Cardiol 1972; 29:882-5. [PMID: 4536551 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(72)90512-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Eie H, Semb G, Müller O, Holm HA. Aneurysm of the left atrial appendage. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 1972; 6:149-53. [PMID: 5046339 DOI: 10.3109/14017437209134793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Sanderud A, Garman D, Hatle L, Rokseth R. Aneurysmal dilatation of the left auricle. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 1971; 5:143-6. [PMID: 4255887 DOI: 10.3109/14017437109135546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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30
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Hall J, Dobbs RH. Cerebral Emboli from Aneurysm of Left Atrial Appendage. Proc R Soc Med 1969. [DOI: 10.1177/003591576906200925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Tenckhoff L, Stamm SJ, Beckwith JB. Sudden death in idiopathic (congenital) right atrial enlargement. Postmortem findings and review of cases. Circulation 1969; 40:227-35. [PMID: 4240355 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.40.2.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A case of idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium is presented and 13 other cases are reviewed. The patient whose case is reported died suddenly at home 6 months after onset of atrial flutter. This represents the first case in which postmortem findings are available. The patient demonstrates that the anomaly cannot be considered entirely benign as has been suggested in previous reports. Other complications that may occur particularly in cases of massive atrial enlargement are atrial arrhythmias, syncope, and right ventricular compression. The importance of recognizing this condition as a clinical entity is stressed because surgical excision of a portion of the enlarged atrium appears to be both easy and curative and because these cases may be mistakenly diagnosed as mediastinal tumor or pericardial effusion. The possible relationship of this apparently congenital abnormality to Uhl's anomaly is discussed.
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