Aneurysm of the left atrial appendage

Accessory appendages of the left atrium as seen during 64-slice coronary CT angiography

“…A left atrial aneurysm is a very rare cardiac anomaly that usually develops in the left atrial appendage [25]. Left atrial aneurysms can present with recurrent embolic strokes [26], with chest pain [27], arrhythmias [28], and can be associated with severe mitral regurgitation [14]. According to Terada et al [14] the difference between a left atrial diverticulum and an aneurysm is that only the diverticulum demonstrates normal wall structure and contracts in synchrony with other parts of the heart.…”

Congenital Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Case Report and Brief Review of Literature

“…are rare entities and are caused by congenital dysplasia of the atrial muscle [1,2]. This entity is different from acquired enlargement of the left atrium (LA) secondary to rheumatic heart disease or severe mitral regurgitation [3,4].…”

Cardiac Vignette: Giant Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm

“…The most common cause of this anomaly is congenital, resulting from weakening of the LAA wall (specifically congenital dysplasia of the atrial pectinate muscles). If acquired, it is usually secondary to mitral valvular disease [2,3].…”

“…Primary symptoms involve chest pain, dyspnoea and palpitations, which frequently present within the second and third decades of life due to progressive enlargement of the aneurysm with age [2,3].…”