Cor triatriatum sinistrum: Diagnosis by Doppler Echocardiography

Abstract

Cor triatriatum (CTT) sinistrum is a rare, congenital left ventricular inflow anomaly. Previous reports have used cardiac angiography, two-dimensional echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging to establish the diagnosis prior to surgery. We report a case of CTT diagnosed by echocardiography whose hemodynamic significance was established by the use of pulsed wave and color Doppler techniques. Immediate surgery was recommended based on anatomical and hemodynamic parameters.

Rare Flow Pattern in a Patient with Cor Triatriatum

“…Obstruction above the valve, however, is responsible for a gradient throughout the cardiac cycle. This finding was reported before 1,2 and is characteristic of cor triatriatum. A turbulent jet is noted within the left atrium (ventral chamber), whereas in mitral stenosis or supravalvular ring, the turbulent jet is within the left ventricle.…”