title: Giant cell myocarditis of the left atrium.
abstract: Here we describe an unusual case of giant cell myocarditis (GCM) found in the left atrial appendage. Giant cell myocarditis is a rare entity in itself, while isolated left atrial GCM has only been reported on a few occasions. We describe a patient who underwent mitral valve replacement for rheumatic mitral stenosis and excision of a grossly abnormal, thickened, and enlarged left atrial appendage. Histological examination confirmed the presence of GCM.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The James Cook University Hospital, Marjon Rd, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, United Kingdom. amal@doctors.net.uk
authors.forename: Amal K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Bose
authors.forename: Mohua
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bhattacharjee
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kendall
mesh_terms: D020517:Atrial Appendage / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D015726:Giant Cells / Q000473:pathology; D006325:Heart Atria; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology; D012214:Rheumatic Heart Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome