Phua G C, Eng P C T, Lim S L, Chua Y L
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Ann Acad Med Singap. 2005 Nov;34(10):642-5.
The giant left atrium (GLA) is a complication of severe mitral valve disease and causes morbidity by compressing adjacent intra-thoracic structures.
We report 2 cases of unusual pulmonary complications of the GLA. Case 1 developed recurrent collapse of the left lung due to left main bronchus compression. Case 2 was diagnosed with right middle lobe compression and collapse.
Case 1 was successfully treated by mitral valve replacement and left atrial reduction surgery. Case 2 was treated conservatively.
Pulmonary atelectasis may occur in patients with GLA due to bronchopulmonary compression. Surgical management with valve replacement and atrial reduction may be necessary to relieve airway compression.
