Left atrial dissection: an almost unknown entity. Review uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Left atrial dissection is an exceedingly rare but potentially fatal complication of cardiac surgery. It is most commonly associated with mitral valve surgery, including both replacement and repair, with a reported incidence rate of 0.16%. However, other cardiac surgical or catheter-based interventional procedures are also known as potential predisposing factors. The time of presentation from the cause of dissection varies extremely, ranging from immediate occurrence up to 20 years later. The dissection forms a large cavity between the endocardium and epicardium of the left atrium, causing obliteration of the left atrial cavity and resultant haemodynamic compromise, which almost always requires immediate surgical intervention. In contrast, left atrial dissection without haemodynamic instability can often be managed non-operatively with satisfactory outcomes. This article reviews this rare but relevant clinical entity to further elucidate the incidence, pathogenesis, clinical course, management and outcome of left atrial dissection.

publication date

  • September 25, 2014

Research

keywords

  • Aneurysm, Dissecting
  • Aortic Dissection
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures
  • Heart Aneurysm

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84923207232

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1093/icvts/ivu317

PubMed ID

  • 25260895

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 20

issue

  • 1