Beyond Ortner's syndrome--unusual pulmonary complications of the giant left atrium.
BACKGROUND
The giant left atrium (GLA) is a complication of severe mitral valve disease and causes morbidity by compressing adjacent intra-thoracic structures.


METHODS
We report 2 cases of unusual pulmonary complications of the GLA. Case 1 developed recurrent collapse of the left lung due to left main bronchus compression. Case 2 was diagnosed with right middle lobe compression and collapse.


RESULTS
Case 1 was successfully treated by mitral valve replacement and left atrial reduction surgery. Case 2 was treated conservatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary atelectasis may occur in patients with GLA due to bronchopulmonary compression. Surgical management with valve replacement and atrial reduction may be necessary to relieve airway compression.
Phua
G C
GC
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. gheech@singnet.com.sg
Eng
P C T
PC
Lim
S L
SL
Chua
Y L
YL
D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001980:Bronchi; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013577:Syndrome; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed