Giant left atrium: A review

Abstract

Giant left atrium is a rare condition, with a reported incidence of 0.3%, and following mainly rheumatic mitral valve disease. Although rheumatic heart disease represents the main cause of giant left atrium, other etiologies have been reported. Giant left atrium has significant hemodynamic effects and requires specific management. In this review, we present two cases, discuss the different definitions, etiologies, clinical presentation and management modalities.

Keywords

• Atrial fibrillation
• atrial plication
• compression
• giant left atrium
• maze procedure
• rheumatic heart disease