Giant Atrial Dilatation: Systematic Review of Reported Cases from the Last Decade and an Illustrative Case with Dysphagia and Severe Dysphonia

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Giant atrial chambers are rare but clinically important conditions, most often linked to rheumatic mitral valve disease, though they may also occur in congenital or other acquired disorders. Despite their low prevalence, they entail major hemodynamic, arrhythmogenic, and extracardiac risks. This study aimed to review recent evidence on giant atrial pathology-including giant left atrium (GLA), giant right atrium (GRA), and atrial appendage aneurysms-and to illustrate its relevance through cases of symptomatic extracardiac compression. <b>Methods:</b> A PubMed search on 15 September 2025 using "giant atrium" and limited to human, free full-text studies from the last 10 years yielded 93 results. After screening, 21 reports describing 24 cases were analyzed and compared with institutional experience. <b>Results:</b> GLA is most often defined by an anteroposterior diameter ≥6.5 cm or ≥8 cm, while criteria for GRA and appendage aneurysms remain inconsistent. Reported complications include atrial fibrillation, thromboembolism, and compression of mediastinal structures, with presentations such as dysphagia or airway obstruction. While valve surgery alone may suffice, many authors recommend concomitant atrial reduction or aneurysm resection in symptomatic patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> Giant atrial pathology, though uncommon, carries significant cardiac and extracardiac implications. Management should be individualized, and awareness of atypical manifestations is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-11-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217832
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.39
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article

Giant Atrial Dilatation: Systematic Review of Reported Cases from the Last Decade and an Illustrative Case with Dysphagia and Severe Dysphonia

Adrian P. Merce, Horéa Feier, Ana Lascu, Alina-Ramona Cozlac et al.
1 citations
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade
1.39
article

Giant Atrial Dilatation: Systematic Review of Reported Cases from the Last Decade and an Illustrative Case with Dysphagia and Severe Dysphonia

Adrian P. Merce, Horéa Feier, Ana Lascu, Alina-Ramona Cozlac, I. Munteanu, C Streian, Raluca-Elisabeta Staicu, Marinela-Adela Scuturoiu, Lucian-Silviu Falnita
article en
1 citations

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Giant atrial chambers are rare but clinically important conditions, most often linked to rheumatic mitral valve disease, though they may also occur in congenital or other acquired disorders. Despite their low prevalence, they entail major hemodynamic, arrhythmogenic, and extracardiac risks. This study aimed to review recent evidence on giant atrial pathology-including giant left atrium (GLA), giant right atrium (GRA), and atrial appendage aneurysms-and to illustrate its relevance through cases of symptomatic extracardiac compression. <b>Methods:</b> A PubMed search on 15 September 2025 using "giant atrium" and limited to human, free full-text studies from the last 10 years yielded 93 results. After screening, 21 reports describing 24 cases were analyzed and compared with institutional experience. <b>Results:</b> GLA is most often defined by an anteroposterior diameter ≥6.5 cm or ≥8 cm, while criteria for GRA and appendage aneurysms remain inconsistent. Reported complications include atrial fibrillation, thromboembolism, and compression of mediastinal structures, with presentations such as dysphagia or airway obstruction. While valve surgery alone may suffice, many authors recommend concomitant atrial reduction or aneurysm resection in symptomatic patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> Giant atrial pathology, though uncommon, carries significant cardiac and extracardiac implications. Management should be individualized, and awareness of atypical manifestations is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(21)
West University of Timişoara (RO), Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara (RO), Institute e-Austria Timisoara (RO), Cognitive Research (United States) (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade
1.39
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