Intrapericardial giant left atrial appendage.
Contrary to what the name implies, the left atrial appendage is increasingly becoming an organ of clinical importance. Its role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism is now well established. Enlargement of the appendage due to haemodynamic disturbances or anatomic weakness increases this risk, along with the potential for arrhythmia. We report a rare case of gross enlargement of the left atrial appendage within the pericardial cavity.
Thomas
Eapen
E
Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Wessex Cardiothoracic Unit, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton, UK.
Salmon
Anthony P
AP
Vettukattil
Joseph J
JJ
D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000473:pathology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology; D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010496:Pericardium