Left atrial aneurysm.
Aneurysms of the left atrium are rare abnormalities. They can be congenital or acquired. Whereas a true congenital aneurysm presents as isolated pathology, inflammatory or degenerative processes involving the endocardium are associated with the acquired type. The clinical records of 2 patients with the diagnosis of left atrial aneurysm were reviewed, along with the surgical strategies, current literature, and patient outcomes. Because of the risk of life-threatening complications, surgery is recommended even in asymptomatic cases. Resection and mitral valvuloplasty should be the treatment of choice.
Driscoll Children's Hospital, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. moralej@driscollchildrens.org
J M
JM
Morales
S G
SG
Patel
J H
JH
Jackson
J A
JA
Duff
J W
JW
Simpson
D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D002648:Child; D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000151:congenital* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery