Cor triatriatum other diagnostic studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]; Keri Shafer, M.D. [4]; Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [5]

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.

• 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.

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