Cor triatriatum other diagnostic studies

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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