Cor triatriatum. A case report and review of other operative cases.

Summary A case of cor triatriatum in a 13-month-old boy, correctly diagnosed preoperatively, followed by successful operation, is presented. A left thoracotomy and total cardiopulmonary bypass was used. This patient is one of the youngest, whose case is reported, who had successful correction. The clinical and diagnostic aspects and the surgical treatment are discussed. A review of other patients who had operation is included. Of the 18 reported patients in whom the diagnosis of cor triatriatum was made either preoperatively or during the operation, 17 were successfully treated by surgery. There were 8 adults (17 years to 37 years) and 10 children (2½ months to 11 years). The operative mortality rate was 5.5 per cent. This mortality rate might be further decreased if diagnosis were made earlier and operative treatment were undertaken. The 6 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with incorrect preoperative diagnosis died either during or following surgery. Cor triatriatum is an easily correctable disease, but the majority of the patients will die during the first 2 years of life unless an early diagnosis is made and correct treatment is carried out.