Left Atrial Appendage Aneurysm: A Case Report

Abstract

Left atrial appendage aneurysm (LAAA) is a rare heart anomaly caused by congenital dysplasia of the pectinate muscle or by an acquired pathological condition of the mitral valve or cardiac muscle. It is often incidentally discovered during chest CT or echocardiography as an abnormal dilatation of the LAA. LAAA is associated with life-threatening complications and most patients require surgical treatment. Therefore, it is important to evaluate associated complications as well as precise diagnoses. This report presents the case of a surgically confirmed LAAA in a 53-year-old female. We also discuss the pathophysiology of LAAA and significant findings related to mortality that can be detected on CT and MRI.