Cor triatriatum physical examination


 * 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
Physical examination of a cor triatriatum patient may result in presentation of symptoms in asymptomatic or symptomatic fashion. Potential findings include presentation of heart murmurs, fatigue or even, right ventricular failure.

Physical Examination
Findings on physical examination depends upon the size of the hole in the diaphragm separating the two atrial chambers and the integrity of the interatrial septum.

A doctor may:
 * Auscultate the heart, listening distinctly for:
 * Any evidence of pulmonary hypertension, such as a loud P2 of the second heart sound
 * Any evidence of tricuspid regurgitation, systolic murmor originating from the sternal border with variations in intensity from respiration
 * Any evidence of tachycardia, such as a rapid irregular heart rate
 * Ausculate the lungs, listening for signs of pulmonary congestion
 * Palpate the abdomen, observing for right upper quandrant tenderness (liver congestion)

Common findings may include pulmonary hypertension, tachycardia, right ventricular failure, and hypoxemia.