Search

Background and Objectives: A rare case of cor triatriatum sinistrum in combination with anomalies in the atrial septum and in the right atrium of a 60-year-old female body donor is described here. Materials and Methods: In addition to classical dissection, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, computer tomography and cinematic rendering were performed. In a reference series of 59 regularly formed hearts (33 men, 26 women), we looked for features in the left and right atrium or atrial septum. In addition, we measured the atrial and ventricular wall thickness in 15 regularly formed hearts (7 men, 8 women). Results: In the case described, the left atrium was partly divided into two chambers by an intra-atrial membrane penetrated by two small openings. The 2.5 cm-high membrane originated in the upper level of the oval fossa and left an opening of about 4 cm in diameter. Apparently, the membrane did not lead to a functionally significant flow obstruction due to the broad intra-atrial communication between the proximal and distal chamber of the left atrium. In concordance with this fact, left atrial wall thickness was not elevated in the cor triatriatum sinistrum when compared with 15 regularly formed hearts. In addition, two further anomalies were found: 1. the oval fossa was deepened and arched in the direction of the left atrium; 2. the right atrium showed a membrane-like structure at its posterior and lateral walls, which began at the lower edge of the oval fossa. It probably corresponds to a strongly developed eustachian valve (valve of the inferior vena cava). Conclusions: The case described suggests that malformations in the development of the atrial septum and in the regression of the valve of the right sinus vein are involved in the pathogenesis of cor triatriatum sinistrum.