A rare case of stiff left atrial syndrome caused by both coconut left atrium and vertebral compression: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Calcification of the left atrium (LA) is a rare condition and can be the result of long-standing rheumatic mitral stenosis or an unusual complication after mitral valve replacement. Cases of massive LA calcification have sometimes been referred to as those with 'coconut LA' or 'porcelain LA'.

Case summary

A 75-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of chest discomfort and exertional dyspnoea. Doppler echocardiography revealed the presence of elevated filling pressure with significant LA dysfunction. A cardiac catheter examination revealed a quite impressive pulmonary capillary wedge pressure waveform with a steep up-slope and prominent v wave of 43 mmHg (mean: 15 mmHg). Multidetector row computed tomography revealed that LA was sandwiched by de

SUBMITTER: Ooka J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6764553 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature