Right atrial appendage aneurysm in a fetus—Does precise prenatal diagnosis matter?

Abstract

Introduction

Congenital malformations of the right atrium—aneurysms and diverticula—are rare heart defects with only a few cases having been described prenatally. Early diagnosis of these anomalies is extremely important due to the possibility of such serious complications such as supraventricular arrhythmia, thromboembolic events and sudden death.

Topic Description

Although each of these anomalies is well known, there are still significant discrepancies in diagnosis. At the same time, there is no essential difference in the postnatal management of patients with right atrial aneurysms or diverticula. Treatment mode varies between centers and is selected individually depending on the presence of symptoms.

Discussion

We discuss the problems of terminology, ultrasound criteria and prenatal differential diagnosis, anatomic and histological features and current limitations for the accurate diagnosis of right atrial aneurysms and diverticula in utero. As a clinical example, we describe a case of right atrial appendage aneurysm diagnosed in a fetus.

Conclusions

Considering the prenatal diagnostic difficulties and similar management of such patients after birth, we suggest avoiding the use of exact terms in the fetus, leaving the precise diagnosis for the postnatal period.