Serial cardiopulmonary exercise testing in an asymptomatic young female receiving percutaneous balloon dilatation for cor triatriatum sinistrum at an early age.

A young female was diagnosed as classic cor triatriatum sinistrum (CTS) at 38 months old incidentally and she received percutaneous catheter-based balloon dilatation twice at 41 and 48 months old. She took regular follow-up by echocardiography biannually with no re-stenosis of the orifice in the membrane between two chambers in the left atrium and she denied any cardiac-related symptoms. Serial cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) by treadmill under Ramped-Bruce protocol was done at her 13, 19, and 23-year old. She could reach maximal effort and complete the three CPETs. No significant change of metabolic equivalent at anaerobic (MET) threshold, peak MET, and pulmonary function were noted in the serial CPETs and all of them were within normal limits comparing to the reference values of Chinese specific to her age. Our case report demonstrated that the concept of percutaneous catheter-based balloon dilatation of obstructive membrane for classic CTS without other associated congenital heart diseases is sound and feasible. The prognosis is well without re-obstruction and the cardiopulmonary fitness after that could be maintain as healthy peers for up to 18 years.

Hybrid balloon dilation treatment for cor triatriatum dexter in a small breed puppy.

The authors encountered a 4-month-old, female Shiba dog weighing 4.0 kg, who had been exhibiting abdominal distension and increasing ascites for 2 months. She was brought for further examination and treatment with the chief complaints of ascites and dyspnoea during sleep. The dog was diagnosed with ascites caused by cor triatriatum dexter based on the physical and imaging findings. Under general anaesthesia, she was treated with hybrid balloon dilation under transoesophageal echocardiography guidance. Her postoperative recovery was quite rapid and uneventful. This method appears to be a useful, new, and less-invasive treatment option for cor triatriatum dexter.

Treatment of caudal cavoatrial junction obstruction in a dog with a balloon-expandable biliary stent.

A 2-year-old intact female mixed breed dog was presented for ascites. Echocardiography demonstrated severe obstruction at the level of the caudal right atrium. Initially, a variant of cor triatriatum dexter was diagnosed, and balloon catheter dilation was performed. However, ascites recurred within a week. Further imaging revealed an obstruction at the entrance of the caudal vena cava into the right atrium rather than a dividing membrane in the right atrium. The diagnosis was revised to suprahepatic obstruction of the caudal vena cava because of remnant Eustachian valve tissue. Deployment of a balloon-expandable biliary stent was performed relieving the obstruction. Fifteen months after stent deployment, the patient is doing well without reaccumulation of ascitic fluid.

Cor triatriatum dexter in 17 dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to report the signalment, presentation, clinical and imaging findings, interventions, and outcomes in a group of dogs with cor triatriatum dexter (CTD). ANIMALS: Seventeen client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed retrospectively for signalment, history, physical examination findings, imaging and diagnostic findings, presence of concurrent congenital cardiac defects, description of interventional procedures, therapy information, and outcomes. RESULTS: Age at presentation ranged from two to 110 months, with 10 of 17 dogs (59%) aged <12 months. There was an equal distribution between the sexes. Peritoneal effusion was the most common presenting complaint, in 10 of 17 dogs (59%). The CTD was an isolated finding in 3 of 17 dogs (18%); the remaining 14 of 17 (82%) dogs had concurrent cardiac disease, with congenital anomalies present in 12 of 17 (70%). All except one of these 12 dogs had at least one additional condition affecting the right heart. Tricuspid valve dysplasia was the most common congenital comorbidity, present in 9 of 17 dogs (53%). Seven dogs (41%) underwent interventional treatment of their CTD. In 7 of 17 (41%) cases, the CTD was considered to be incidental and the dogs were asymptomatic; therefore, no interventions were performed. The remaining three cases were euthanized or lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Cor triatriatum dexter in dogs is commonly seen in association with other right-sided congenital cardiac anomalies and may be an incidental finding. Dogs with CTD obstructing right atrial inflow can have a good outcome after intervention. Dogs with no clinical signs associated with the CTD may remain asymptomatic into adulthood.

A Rare Case of Cor Triatriatum Leading to Respiratory Failure and Shock in an 8-Month-Old Boy.

An 8-month-old boy presents with 1 week of gradually worsening respiratory distress. After chest radiograph shows bilateral airspace opacities, he is treated for pneumonia with antibiotics and intravenous fluids. Shortly after this, he decompensates requiring intubation, followed by cardiopulmonary support with pressors and eventually extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Bedside ultrasound then shows an additional congenital membrane in the left atrium obstructing pulmonary venous return and thought to have caused his original presentation and subsequent decompensation. After surgical correction, he is decannulated from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, makes a quick recovery, and is discharged from the hospital in good condition within 2 weeks. This rare case of cor triatriatum highlights the importance of considering congenital heart disease even with common presentations in the pediatric population.

Transthoracic ultrasound guided balloon dilation of cor triatriatum dexter in 2 Rottweiler puppies.

Balloon dilation was performed in two Rottweiler puppies with cor triatriatum dexter and clinical signs of ascites using transthoracic echocardiographic guidance. The dogs were positioned on a standard echocardiography table in right lateral recumbency, and guide wires and balloon catheters were imaged by echocardiographic views optimized to allow visualization of the defect. The procedures were performed successfully without complications and clinical signs were resolved completely in both cases. Guide wires and balloon catheters appeared hyperechoic on transthoracic echocardiography image and could be clearly monitored and guided in real-time. These two cases demonstrate that it is possible to perform balloon catheter dilation of cor triatriatum dexter under transthoracic guidance alone.

Cor triatriatum sinister with severe obstruction: a rare presentation in an adult.

Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare congenital anomaly usually presenting in infancy or childhood. Most cases reported in adulthood have minimal obstruction. A case of critically obstructed cor triatriatum sinister presenting for the first time in adulthood is described here. The characteristic ECG, radiological and echocardiographic findings of this rare anomaly are demonstrated in this case report. The clinical features closely mimic mitral stenosis. The clues to differentiate cor triatriatum from other causes of left ventricular inflow obstruction are described.

Stent placement for palliation of cor triatriatum dexter in a dog with suspected patent foramen ovale.

An 11 month old spayed, female dog presented with exercise intolerance and cyanosis upon exertion. Echocardiography revealed an imperforate cor triatriatum dexter with mild tricuspid valve dysplasia, an underfilled right ventricle and significant right to left shunting across a presumptive patent foramen ovale. Balloon dilation of the abnormal atrial membrane was initially successful in creating a communication between the right atrial chambers, but stenosis of the original perforation and persistent clinical signs prompted a second intervention. A balloon expandable biliary stent was placed across the abnormal partition, improving caudal venous return to the right ventricle and reducing the right to left shunt. Three months after stent placement, resting oxygen saturation had normalized. Six months after stent placement, exercise tolerance had improved and exertional cyanosis had resolved. Long term follow up will be necessary to assess for remodeling of the right ventricle with improved venous return. Stent placement can be considered as a palliative treatment option for cor triatriatum dexter, especially for stenosis post-balloon dilation.

Anaesthetic management for balloon dilation of cor triatriatum dexter in a dog.

A three-month-old female Rottweiler puppy was referred for intravascular correction of a previously identified cor triatriatum dexter. Echocardiography confirmed the presence of a hyperechoic membrane that divided the right atrium into a cranial and caudal chamber. A foramen in this membrane allowed the blood to flow from the caudal to the cranial chamber. Balloon dilation of the defect under transthoracic echocardiographic guidance was scheduled for the following day. The dog was premedicated with 0.5 µg/kg sufentanil and 0.2 mg/kg midazolam administered intravenously. General anaesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg propofol and maintained with inhaled isoflurane in oxygen; at the same time, a constant rate infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/h sufentanil was administered by means of an infusion pump. Uneventful ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias developed during the placement of catheters and balloon dilation. At the end of procedure, when the guide wire and balloon catheter were removed, normal sinus rhythm was observed. To the authors' knowledge, no previous reports have described the anaesthetic management of a balloon dilation procedure for cor triatriatum dexter in dogs.

Transcatheter intervention in cor triatriatum sinister.

Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare condition caused by a membrane in the left atrium, resulting in left ventricular inflow obstruction. This developmental anomaly is usually diagnosed in childhood. However, a rare presentation during adulthood is observed when the membrane is incomplete. Surgical excision of the membrane is the first line of treatment. We present a 51-year-old woman who underwent successful transcatheter balloon dilation with complete loss of the membrane waist and hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement.

Wheezing as a sign of cor triatriatum sinister culminating in multiple organ failure.

Cardiac asthma or cardiac wheezing (CW) refers to a syndrome of dyspnea and wheezing that mimicks asthma clinically. Reported herein is the case of a 2-month-old boy who presented with refractory wheezing as a sign of cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) that culminated in overwhelming multiple organ failure in a short time. On the day of admission, oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) was <80%. Heart rate was 198 beats/min and respiratory rate 58 breaths/min. Chest radiogram showed pulmonary edema. Electrocardiogram showed right atrial enlargement and right ventricular hypertrophy. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) was very high at >20,000 pg/mL. Two-dimensional echocardiography with Doppler showed CTS, which was complicated with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension due to flagrant pulmonary venous obstruction. Cardiac surgery was undertaken, after which pulmonary edema subsided, SpO2 increased to ≥96%, and NTproBNP dropped to normal. He was discharged 11 days later, and was free of cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and neurological sequelae at 24 month follow up.

Cor triatriatum dexter and atrial septal defect in a 43-year-old woman.

Cor triatriatum dexter is a rare congenital heart anomaly in which a membrane divides the right atrium into 2 chambers. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman who had cor triatriatum dexter and a large atrial septal defect. During attempted percutaneous closure, the balloon disrupted the membrane and revealed that the defect had no inferior rim, precluding secure placement of an Amplatzer Septal Occluder. Surgical treatment subsequently proved to be successful. In patients with an incomplete membrane and a septal defect with well-defined rims, percutaneous treatment can be the first choice. In patients who have cor triatriatum dexter and unfavorable anatomic features or concomitant complex heart anomalies, open-heart surgery remains the gold standard for treatment.

Hybrid cutting balloon dilatation for treatment of cor triatriatum sinister in a cat.

A hybrid surgical approach and balloon dilatation were performed successfully in a cat with cor triatriatum sinister and clinical signs of congestive heart failure. Left lateral thoracotomy was used to access the heart and cutting balloon followed by standard balloon dilatation were utilized to dilate the perforation in the anomalous left atrial membrane. Clinical signs resolved completely after dilation of the anomalous left atrial membrane. Based upon the outcome of this case, balloon dilatation appears to be a viable treatment option for cats affected with cor triatriatum sinister.

Shunting between the CVC and both the azygos vein and thoracic duct in a dog with CTD.

A 5 mo old female rottweiler was referred for evaluation of a suspected congenital heart disease. Clinical signs included anorexia, exercise intolerance, and severe loss of body condition. Clinical examination revealed dyspnea, pale mucous membranes, and weak femoral pulses. Pleural and abdominal effusions and iron deficiency anemia were identified. A distended intrathoracic caudal vena cava (CVC) visible on thoracic radiographs suggested that the modified transudate abdominal effusion was the result of improper venous return to the right side of the heart. Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) was diagnosed via echocardiography but did not explain all the anomalies detected during a contrast echocardiography. Abnormal communications between the CVC and azygos vein and the CVC and thoracic duct were subsequently identified by abdominal ultrasonography and angiography. Medical management with diuretics, iron supplements, and surgical treatment of CTD resulted in normalization of the respiratory rate, the exercise intolerance, and the anemia. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of CTD associated with shunts between the CTV and both the azygos vein and thoracic duct in dogs. This report emphasizes the importance of presurgical assessment of concurrent thoracic and abdominal congenital vascular abnormalities.

Unusual case of new-onset heart failure due to cor triatriatum sinister.

We report the case of a 30-year old man who came to the emergency department of our hospital with acute left heart failure, and was diagnosed with a rare congenital anomaly (cor triatriatrum sinister), which can mimic a severe mitral stenosis. Cor triatriatum sinister is a rare anomaly (0.1% of all cases of congenital heart disease) that is seldom diagnosed in adult patients. The hallmark of this congenital defect is the presence of a fibromuscular membrane that divides the left atrium (LA) into two chambers: a postero-superior chamber into which the pulmonary veins drain and an infero-anterior chamber (true LA) containing the mitral valve and atrial appendage. Both chambers communicate through a membrane in which one or more drain holes can be found. When the hole is significantly obstructive, it results in increased venous and arterial pressures. Even though the definitive treatment of cor triatriatum is the surgical excision of the membrane, we present a balloon dilatation case with a good response to percutaneous therapy, both initially and in the ensuing months.

Cor triatriatum in an 86-year-old woman: initial presentation with pulmonary hypertension discovered during preoperative evaluation.

Cor triatriatum is a congenital heart malformation that is characterised by the division of the left or right atrium into two separate chambers by a membrane or diaphragm. Reports among adults are scarce, as most cases are diagnosed during childhood. The risk of mortality is increased when cor triatriatum is complicated by pulmonary hypertension. This is a report of an 86-year-old woman with World Health Organization Group 2 pulmonary hypertension secondary to cor triatriatum, discovered during preoperative workup. Echocardiography showed a membrane dividing the left atrium into two. Doppler studies revealed a reversal of normal flow, similar to mitral stenosis. The right ventricle was dilated, with reduced long axis function.

[Resolution of ascites after successful balloon dilatation of cortriatriatum dexter in a dog]. / Verdwijnen van ascites na succesvolle ballondilatatie van een cor triatriatum dexter bij een hond.

A 9-month-old male American Cocker Spaniel was examined for progressive abdominal distension, tachypnoea, and decreased appetite. Physical examination revealed signs of congestion in the caudal body half only (ascites, congested saphenic vein), and abdominocentesis yielded a modified transudate. Echocardiography revealed an abnormal membrane in the right atrium and cor triatriatum dexter was diagnosed; the diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac catheterization. Successful treatment consisted of balloon dilatation of the pinpoint opening in the abnormal membrane. The dog recovered well, with the ascites resolving within a week, and its further development was normal.

[Pacemaker implantation in a patient with cor triatriatum sinister - preoperative evaluation]. / Wszczepienie stymulatora serca u chorego z rozpoznaniem serca trójprzedsionkowego lewostronnego - ocena przedoperacyjna w echokardiografii przezprzelykowej.

A case of 72 year old-male with cor triatriatum sinister, permanent atrial fibrillation and symptomatic bradycardia is presented. Patient was scheduled for pacemaker implantation. A preoperative evaluation with transesophageal echocardiography revealed a nonrestrictive membrane in left atrium, normal right superior vena cava and absence of persistent left superior vena cava and other cardiac anomalies. A right ventricular pacemaker lead was implanted through left subclavian approach. Preoperative evaluation shortened a radiation exposure and procedure time.

Cor triatriatum sinister--three case reports.

UNLABELLED: Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart disease (0.1% of all congenital cardiac defects), but a higher incidence, up to 0.4% has been reported in autopsies of pts with CHD (1, 2, 7). There are two types: left and right. Cor triatriatum sinister is more common that dexter. Cor triatriatum dextrum is extremely rare. Fewer than 300 cases of cor triatriatum have been reported. It can occur as an isolated defect (classic) or in association with other congenital cardiac anomalies (atypical). It's a surgically correctable CHD and can occur as an isolated defect (classic) or in association with other congenital cardiac anomalies (atypical). METHODS: A retrospective review of three patients with Cor triatriatum, diagnosed at University Children's Hospital, during a eight year period (2000-2007). Among 1671 patients with CHD, the diagnosis of cor triatriatum has been established in three patients (0.18%). There were two boys and one girl, aged two years, 6 months and nine years, respectively. All of them had cor triatriatum sinister, with a communication between the right atrium and either the proximal or distal chamber. The first patient had a classic form of cor triatriatum, with a small hole in the diaphragm between atria, which imitated mitral stenosis, while the third patient had also mitral valve prolapse, but the hole between atria was unrestrictive. The second patient manifested atypical form, with many, additional defects: except large, unrestrictive ASD with a very small hole in the diaphragm between two atria, he had also total anomalous pulmonary venous return, draining in coronary sinus, large perimembranous VSD, hypoplastic aorta with coarctation, and high pulmonary vascular resistance. In the second patient, the diagnosis has been performed at 6 months of age, but due to lack of cardio-surgery and poor possibilities for going abroad for operation--finally he had been operated seven months later, but he died a week after surgery. The first patient has been successfully operated, immediately after the diagnosis was performed, while the last patient was diagnosed incidentally at the age of nine. She was symptoms free up to now, but recently she was developing symptoms and was successfully operated. CONCLUSION: Cor triatriatum is more prevalent than is thought before echocardiography era. Echocardiography was method of choice in the diagnosis of typical forms, while in a atypical form cardiac catheterization was also performed. Two patients with classic form of CT were successfully operated, while the patient with atypical form and many additional cardiac anomalies died after cardio surgery. The main predictors for prognosis are: the size of the hole in the diaphragm between two chambers of atrium, additional cardiac malformations, and time of surgery.