Idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium masking left atrial aneurysm in a neonate

Cardiol Young. 2023 Nov;33(11):2446-2448. doi: 10.1017/S104795112300255X. Epub 2023 Jul 26.

Abstract

An idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium is an extremely rare cardiac malformation. There are no established guidelines for the management of this disease, especially concerning medical versus surgical therapeutic approach and the timing for an operation. We report in this case about a neonate that first was treated conservatively until the age of 5 month and finally got an operative resection of the aneurysm. After surgery, unexpected complications occurred. A second aneurysm in the left atrium was demasked. Furthermore, a progressive dilatation of both atrial chambers after resection required regular follow-up and ongoing evaluation of treatment.

Keywords: Idiopathic enlargement of the right atrium; congenital dilatation of the right atrium; giant right atrium; idiopathic atrial dilatation.

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm* / complications
  • Atrial Appendage*
  • Atrial Fibrillation*
  • Cardiomegaly / etiology
  • Heart Aneurysm* / diagnostic imaging
  • Heart Aneurysm* / surgery
  • Heart Atria / abnormalities
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn