Cor triatriatum

Cor triatriatum
Synonyms	Triatrial heart
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain
Complications	Heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation
Onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Congenital heart defect
Risks	Congenital heart disease
Diagnosis	Echocardiography, MRI, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Atrial septal defect, mitral stenosis
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgical resection, balloon atrial septostomy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depending on severity and treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect where the left atrium or the right atrium is divided into two parts by a fold of tissue, a membrane, or a fibromuscular band.

Overview

Cor triatriatum represents 0.1% of all congenital heart diseases. The condition can occur on its own or in association with other cardiac anomalies, such as atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cor triatriatum depend on the size of the opening in the fibromuscular membrane and whether other heart defects are present. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, and cyanosis.

Diagnosis

Cor triatriatum is typically diagnosed using echocardiography, which can visualize the abnormal membrane and assess its hemodynamic significance. Other diagnostic tests may include cardiac catheterization, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment

The treatment for cor triatriatum is surgical removal of the abnormal membrane to restore normal blood flow. The prognosis after surgery is generally good, with most patients experiencing a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

See also

• Congenital heart defect
• Atrial septal defect
• Ventricular septal defect
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Anomalous pulmonary venous connection