CONGENITAL GIANT INTRAPERICARDIAL ANEURYSM OF LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE: A VERY RARE BUT POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ENTITY

Abstract

A case of left atrial appendage (LAA) aneurysm misdiagnosed previously as partial ‎pericardial defect is presented. This previously totally asymptomatic young ‎multiparous woman was referred to us because of intermittent sharp chest pain and an ‎abnormal CXR. Complementary imaging modalities revealed a large mass behind the ‎left ventricle causing anterolateral hypokinesis. Although relatively symptomless, ‎because of potential hazardous complications such as paroxysmal supraventricular ‎tachycardia, syncope, sudden cardiac death, embolic phenomena and strangulation, ‎the patient s LAA aneurysm was resected shortly after the confirmation of diagnosis. ‎The postoperative course has been uneventful, and she is currently asymptomatic ‎.