Left atrial aneurysm

Accessory appendages of the left atrium as seen during 64-slice coronary CT angiography

“…The pathogenesis of such atrial aneurysm is not known but it is presumed that it may be a congenital weakness of the atrium which results in local dilation that gradually increased in size. Terada et al [14] stated that a congenital diverticulum of the heart is a rare anomaly and usually arises from the ventricle, and that only one other case of a left atrial diverticulum had been described prior to their case report [35]. Srinivasin et al [16] also reported two cases of congenital diverticulum of the left atrial appendage.…”

Aneurysm of the Left Atrial Appendage

“…Potential complications are arrhythmias [2,7], stroke [2-4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 15], and rupture [16]. Stasis of blood due to low flow and turbulences in the cavity causes thrombosis and embolization [8].…”

“…Arrhythmias may be due to tension on the conduction system by the enlarged mass and the presence of a large surface over which circus movement could occur. It may also be due to a congenital defect in the conduction tissue [16]. The arrhythmia may disappear with resection of the aneurysm [17].…”

Congenital intrapericardial aneurysms of the left atrium.

“…1) and yet a correct preoperative diagnosis was made in only five Godwin et al, 1968;Eie et al, 1972;Hansen et al, 1974) including our patient. Most of these patients have been wrongly diagnosed as having cardiac or mediastinal tumours Williams, 1963;Hebert et al, 1965;Saint-Florent et al, 1967;MacLeod et al, 1970;Behrendt and Aberdeen, 1972), left ventricular aneurysms Behrendt and Aberdeen, 1972;Eie et al, 1972) or pericardial cyst ).…”

“…A patient with this congenital anomaly, observed over a period of ten years and recognized preoperatively, is now described. The diagnosis and management of this lesion, which appears to cause systemic emboli Williams, 1963;Behrendt and Aberdeen, 1972;Eie et al, 1972) and paroxysmal or persistent atrial tachyarrhythmias Palacio et al, 1960;Pitts and Potts, 1962;Parker, Connell, and Lynn, 1967;Saint-Florent et al, 1967;Godwin et al, 1968;Varghese et al, 1969;MacLeod et al, 1970;Sanderud et al, 1971;Eie et al, 1972;Hansen, Rygg, and Efsen, 1974), which may prove refractory to medical treatment Godwin et al, 1968;Varghese et al, 1969;MacLeod et al, 1970;Eie et al, 1972;Hansen et al, 1974), are discussed and the literature is reviewed.…”