Cor triatriatum other diagnostic studies


 * 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
During diagnosis, additional methods of imaging may be used to better identify the nature of the cor triatriatum defect and its implication on cardiac blood flow. A cardiac catheterization can serve as a tool identifying the proximal chamber blood flow and potential condition complications.

Cardiac catheterization

 * Generally indicated to assess pulmonary venous return and pulmonary arterial pressures. Approximately 10% of patients have partial anomalous venous return, and angiography is helpful in defining the precise venous anatomy.


 * Catheterization generally reveals pulmonary hypertension in a degree that varies directly with the severity of obstruction to pulmonary venous drainage. Demonstration of a pressure gradient between the left atrium and capillary wedge pressure is an important finding.


 * The proximal chamber is visualized during the venous phase, and a delay then occurs before the true left atrium and left ventricle are visualized. The proximal chamber then remains opacified and does not contract with the distal chamber.