Hidden problems in a case of atrial fibrillation

Echocardiography. 2023 Apr;40(4):364-369. doi: 10.1111/echo.15554. Epub 2023 Mar 25.

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. However, the relation between congenital heart defects and the predisposition to AF is not fully understood. A 65-year-old male was admitted into the emergency department due to progressive dyspnea, orthopnea, palpitations, and edema. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed bi-atrial enlargement and dysplasia of the mitral leaflets with severe mitral regurgitation. Also, a membrane was noted in the LA, dividing the chamber into two parts, suggestive of cor triatriatum sinister. Coronary computed tomography angiography demonstrated a soft tissue septum in the left atrium. Multimodal evaluation is of vital importance for a complete approach, since, detected in time, it has an excellent prognosis.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; cor triatriatum; coronary computed tomography angiography; echocardiography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cor Triatriatum / complications
  • Cor Triatriatum / diagnostic imaging
  • Echocardiography
  • Heart Atria
  • Heart Defects, Congenital*
  • Humans
  • Male