CONGENITAL LEFT ATRIAL WALL ANEURYSM - A CASE-REPORT

An intrapericardial aneurysm of the left atrial wall in a 28-year-old man is reported. This is a rare congenital anomaly. The patients are u sually identified by clinical signs, when complications such as cardia c arrhythmias and systemic embolism occur. Clinical findings including the ECG are nonspecific. Cardiomegaly and unusual configuration of th e heart are consistantly found, but are not pathognomonic. The diagnos is is usually confirmed by angiocardiography. Echocardiography, comput ed tomography and/or MRI can contribute to the diagnosis. Operation se ems to be indicated if complications are to be avoided.