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Massive Left Atriomegaly

1966; Elsevier BV; Volume: 49; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1378/chest.49.2.179

2589-3890

LOUIS FAUGÈRES BISHOP, Elliott J. Howard,

Cardiac Structural Anomalies and Repair

Massive dilatation of the left atrium is a curious and uncommon complication of longstanding rheumatic heart disease, and is attended by characteristic signs and symptoms. The observations of three patients with massive left atriomegaly are reported. The recognition of the triad of (1) mitral valve murmur, (2) a massive density in the right hemithorax and (3) an unexpectedly good exercise tolerance should suggest the diagnosis of a massive left atrium and prevent misdiagnosis and mistreatment of future patients. A possible pathologic explanation of this phenomena is given.