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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK03626}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Cor Triatriatum}
$Subject{Cor Triatriatum Triatrial Heart}
$Subject{}
$Volume{}
$Log{}
Copyright (C) 1986 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
136:
Cor Triatriatum
** IMPORTANT **
It is possible that the main title of the article (Cor Triatriatum) is
not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the
alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article.
Synonym
Triatrial Heart
General Discussion
** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section.
Cor triatriatum is a form of congenital heart defect. The normal human
heart has two chambers called atria, separated from each other by a partition
called the atrial septum, and two other chambers, the ventricles, also
separated by a septum. Valves connect the atria to their respective
ventricles. In cor triatriatum, due to a problem in embryonic development,
there is an extra, small chamber above the left atrium, separated from it by
a membrane with an opening to the atrium proper. The pulmonary veins,
returning from the lungs, drain into this "third atrium", which slows passage
of blood to the left atrium and ventricle, simulating obstruction of the
valve between the left atrium and ventricle. Features of congestive heart
failure may eventually develop. The condition is extremely rare.
Symptoms
Approximately one half of infants born with this condition die soon after
birth. Survival depends on the size of the opening between the extra
chamber, and the left atrium proper. In survivors and initially asymptomatic
patients, the heart progressively enlarges, and eventually congestive heart
failure can develop. There is generalized fluid retention and swelling as
the heart is unable to force sufficient amounts of blood through the
arteries, an inability to breathe, poor oxygen supply to the tissues, and
rapid heartbeat. Untreated, this condition may become life threatening.
Patients with congenital heart disease are likely to have frequent
pneumonias and bronchitis, which in turn can precipitate heart failure. They
are also at risk for embolism or thrombosis (blockage of blood vessels by
blood clots or bubbles), brain abscesses, and bacterial infections of the
inner lining of the heart.
The electro-cardiographic readings in cor triatriatum are characteristic;
they are useful in making a diagnosis. Heart murmurs and diagnostic heart
sounds are also present.
Causes
Various factors may result in congenital heart disease such as cor
triatriatum. They include environmental influences such as infections or
drugs taken during pregnancy, and maternal disease, such as diabetes or
systemic lupus erythematosus. Genetic predispositions may also play a role,
especially combined with environmental effects. Heart defects are common in
persons with chromosomal aberrations, particularly Down's syndrome.
Related Disorders
Cor triatriatum simulates mitral valve stenosis (obstruction).
Therapies: Standard
Infants with cor triatriatum should be referred to a hospital able to perform
sophisticated diagnostic and cardiovascular surgical procedures.
Echocardiography is especially useful in diagnosis. Open heart surgery will
probably be needed eventually; most successful operations are performed
before the age of one year.
Before surgery is finally performed, congestive heart failure must be
managed. This includes reducing fluid volume with diuretics, reduction of
salt intake, and the administration of digitalis to increase the strength and
decrease the rate of the heart contractions. Oxygen may also be beneficial.
Because patients are susceptible to endocarditis (infection of the inner
lining if the heart), they are given antibiotics after tooth extractions and
surgery to prevent potentially dangerous infections. Similarly, respiratory
infections are treated vigorously, and early if possible.
Therapies: Investigational
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through March
1987. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.
Resources
For more information on Cor Triatriatum, please contact:
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783
(203) 746-6518
American Heart Association
7320 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 750-5300
NIH/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
(301) 421-8453
American Lung Association
1740 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 315-8700
For information on genetics and genetic counseling referrals, please
contact:
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
(914) 428-7100
Alliance of Genetic Support Groups
35 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 440
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(800) 336-GENE
(301) 652-5553