Cor Triatriatum in a Pediatric Patient, Accidental Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Discovery

TL;DR

A 4-year-old girl with a rare heart defect was accidentally diagnosed using a portable ultrasound, highlighting its value in early detection.

Contribution

Demonstrates the utility of POCUS in diagnosing rare congenital heart defects in resource-limited settings.

Findings

POCUS identified a fibrous membrane in the left atrium of a pediatric patient.

Early detection via POCUS enabled timely surgical intervention and recovery.

The case underscores the importance of comprehensive symptom assessment in diagnosing rare cardiac anomalies.

Abstract

Cor triatriatum is a rare congenital heart defect, occurring in less than 0.1% of all such cases. It is characterized by a fibrous membrane dividing the atrium into two compartments. While often asymptomatic in infants and children, it can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and malnutrition. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further cardiac complications and ensure normal childhood growth and development.

We discuss the case of a 4-year-old girl diagnosed with cor triatriatum, who was admitted to the emergency room exhibiting symptoms of pneumonia and poor weight gain. A point of care ultrasound (POCUS) test revealed a membrane in the left atrium. The child was admitted and treated for pneumonia and then referred for surgical repair of her heart defect. Following surgery, she was discharged home in stable condition. This case emphasizes the importance of POCUS — particularly in resource-limited settings — for early detection and treatment of congenital heart defects in children. It also shows the need for comprehensive assessment of symptoms for timely diagnosis and management of rare cardiac anomalies, such as cor triatriatum.

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