Cor triatriatum history and symptoms


 * Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]; ; Keri Shafer, M.D. [mailto:kshafer@bidmc.harvard.edu]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [mailto:kfeeney@perfuse.org]

Overview
Symptomology of cor triatriatum hinges largely on the size of the opening in the septal wall and the development or presence of additional, associated congenital heart diseases. Patients may present in asymptomatic or symptomatic fashion with symptoms ranging from heart murmurs to fatigue to right ventricular failure.

Cor triatriatum sinistrum
The severity of symptoms depends upon the size of the hole in the diaphragm separating the two atrial chambers and the integrity of the interatrial septum. Patient may be asymptomatic, a murmer may be diagnosed incidentally, can also be detected during cardiac imaging for other purpose.

Common symptoms include:
 * Dyspea on exertion
 * Orthopnea
 * Tachypnea
 * Fatigue
 * Palpitation and signs of systemic thromboembolism
 * Hemoptysis
 * Markedly slowed physical growth of the body/growth failure

Cor triatriatum dextrum
Clinical presentation depends on the degree of blockade within right atrium. It may be asymptomatic and detected incidentally on cardiac imaging.

Common symptoms include:
 * Palpitation
 * Features of right heart failure such as ascites and edema