Obstructive and Nonobstructive Cor Triatriatum: Report of Two Cases

Cor triatriatum is characterised with a membranous diaphragm which divides the left atrium into two chambers, the proximal chamber accepts the pulmonary veins and the distal one communicates with left ventricle via mitral valve. The size of the orifice between chambers is the main determinant of physiologic abnormalities and elinical syınptoms. Herein, we report two cases of cor triatriatuın . The first case was a 7-year-old boy who was admitted to our hospital with failure to thrive and palpitation. Echocardiography showed obstructive type of cor triat riatuın. Cardiac catheterization revealed elevated p ulın o n ary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures. The meınbrane was removed surgically. The second case was a 1-year-old boy with syın pt oms of heart failure. Echocardiography showed perimembranous VSD and a nonobstructive membranous diaphragm which div ided the left atrium into two chambers. Cardiac catheterization revealed moderate left-to-right shunt and mild pulmonary hypertension. The patient underwent surgical procedure for VSD closure and even though it was not an obstructive one, the membrane of cor triatriatum was removed. Both patients are is well after operation. This report illustrates the wide symptoınato l ogy of cor triatriatum.