Double partitioning of the left atrium: a previously unreported echocardiographic finding in a case in which transoesophageal echocardiography aided operative resection

• Published in: British Heart Journal Vol. 66; no. 3; pp. 246 - 247
• Main Authors: Bu'Lock, F A, Murphy, P, Martin, R P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society 01.09.1991; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cardiology. Vascular system; Congenital heart diseases. Malformations of the aorta, pulmonary vessels and vena cava; Echocardiography - methods; Esophagus; Heart; Heart Atria - abnormalities; Heart Atria - diagnostic imaging; Heart Atria - surgery; Humans; Infant; Intraoperative Care; Male; Medical sciences; Human; Sonography; Congenital; Cor triatriatum; Cardiovascular disease; Exploration; Left atrium; Esophagus; Newborn; Treatment; Heart disease; Surgery; Echography; Ultrasonic transducer
• ISSN: 0007-0769; 1468-201X; 2053-5864
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.66.3.246

Precordial echocardiography showed two membranes obstructing pulmonary venous return in the left atrium of a 9 month old infant. This anomaly has not previously been described; therefore transoesophageal echocardiography was performed at the time of surgery. This confirmed the anatomy and aided complete resection of both membranes. Even in small infants transoesophageal echocardiography can provide useful information about complex atrial malformations.