Cor Triatriatum Dexter: Embryology, Presentation and Management.
Sarah Kerr, Amy Hong, Aarti Bhat
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A single-center series described four neonates with cor triatriatum dexter (CTD), a congenital anomaly caused by persistence of the right valve of the sinus venosus. Each presented with hypoxemia and failed critical congenital heart disease pulse oximetry screening. Echocardiography showed a redundant membrane in the right atrium, leading to the diagnosis. All underwent surgical repair at an average age of 21 days (range, 5–41 days) and weight of 4 kg (range, 3.4–4.5 kg). Mean postoperative stay was 6 days (range, 3–9 days). At follow-up, three patients had no cardiac symptoms and were taking no cardiac medications, up to 7 years after surgery.
What made this case unusual
In all four patients, neonatal hypoxemia and failed pulse oximetry screening led to echocardiographic recognition of CTD, which appeared as a redundant right atrial membrane.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In a neonate with hypoxemia and a failed critical congenital heart disease screen, echocardiography can identify CTD as a redundant membrane within the right atrium.
Why it matters
The authors favor individualized decisions between surgery and watchful waiting, while generally leaning toward early repair; their small series reported favorable postoperative courses and follow-up in the three patients available.