Cor Triatriatum: What You Need To Know About This Rare Congenital Heart Defect

Author Name : Dr. Siljo Jose

Pediatrics

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Cor triatriatum (CT) is a rare congenital heart defect that affects the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle of the heart. It occurs when an additional membrane forms on the inside of the left atrium and divides it into two sections. This results in reduced or blocked flow of oxygenated blood from the lungs to the rest of the body, leading to severe symptoms and even death. While CT is extremely rare, it’s important for medical professionals to understand how to diagnose and treat this condition. In this article, we will discuss what causes CT, how it is diagnosed, and potential treatments for this potentially fatal but treatable congenital heart defect.

What is cor triatriatum?

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect in which there is an abnormal division of the left atrium into two chambers. The septum, or partition, between these chambers may be complete or incomplete. Incomplete septa are more common and tend to cause fewer symptoms than complete septa.

Cor triatriatum can occur on its own or in conjunction with other congenital heart defects. It is most often diagnosed in infancy or childhood, but it can go undetected into adulthood.

There are two types of cor triatriatum: cor triatriatum sinistrum and cor triatriatum dextrum. Cor triatriatum sinistrum is much more common and occurs when the partition divides the left atrium into two chambers, with the right chamber being smaller than the left. Cor triatriatum dextrum occurs when the partition divides the right atrium into two chambers, with the left chamber being smaller than the right.

The most common symptom of cor triatriatum is fatigue. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. These symptoms usually occur during exercise or when the body is under stress.

Cor triatriatum can usually be treated with surgery to repair the defective septum. In some cases, medication may be used to manage symptoms.

What are the symptoms of cor triatriatum?

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect that is characterized by a partial or complete obstruction of the left atrium. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

-Shortness of breath
-Fatigue
-Swollen ankles and feet
-Palpitations
- irregular heartbeat

How is cor triatriatum diagnosed?

Cor Triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect that usually presents in infancy or early childhood. It is often diagnosed incidentally on echocardiogram or cardiac MRI performed for other reasons. The diagnosis can also be made on autopsy.

The hallmark of Cor Triatriatum is the presence of a membrane, called the atrial septum, dividing the left atrium into two chambers. The two chambers are connected by one or more small openings, called ostia. In most cases, there is only one ostium, located in the center of the atrial septum. This type of Cor Triatriatum is called central ostium triatriatum.

In some cases, there are two ostia, one on each side of the atrial septum. This type of Cor Triatriatum is called marginal ostium triatriatum. In both types of Cor Triatriatum, the opening(s) between the two atria are too small to allow adequate blood flow from the left atrium to the right atrium. As a result, oxygenated blood from the lungs backs up in the left atrium and may not reach the rest of the body.

Cor Triatriatum can also occur without an Atrial septum dividing the left Atrium into two chambers. This is referred to as partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (PAPVR). In this case, one or more pulmonary veins (the veins that carry

How is cor triatriatum treated?

There are two types of cor triatriatum, and treatment depends on which type you have.In some cases, both procedures may be necessary.

Conclusion

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect that can cause significant medical issues. It is important for medical professionals to be aware of this condition so they can properly diagnose and treat affected patients. With careful monitoring, the prognosis for these patients can be excellent.


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