Cardiology in the Young

Table of Contents - 2004 - Volume 14, Issue 03  


Brief Report

Intrapericardial giant left atrial appendage

Eapen Thomas a1, Anthony P. Salmon a1 and Joseph J. Vettukattil a1c1
a1 Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Wessex Cardiothoracic Unit, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton, UK

Article author query
thomas e   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
salmon ap   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
vettukattil jj   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 

Abstract

Contrary to what the name implies, the left atrial appendage is increasingly becoming an organ of clinical importance. Its role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolism is now well established. Enlargement of the appendage due to haemodynamic disturbances or anatomic weakness increases this risk, along with the potential for arrhythmia. We report a rare case of gross enlargement of the left atrial appendage within the pericardial cavity.

(Accepted January 5 2004)


Key Words: Aneurysmal; dilatation.

Correspondence:
c1 Correspondence to: Dr Joseph Vettukattil, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Shirley, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. Tel: +02380796944; Fax: +02380794526; E-mail: joseph.vettukattil@suht.swest.nhs.uk

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