Surgical repair of massive dilatation of the right atrium with tricuspid regurgitation

BACKGROUND: Massive dilatation of the right atrium with tricuspid regurgitation is frequently diagnosed by accidental recognition of an enlarged cardiac silhouette during routine chest radiography. Although some patients are asymptomatic, enlargement of the right atrium can cause secondary tricuspid regurgitation due to dilatation of the tricuspid annulus, associated with arrhythmias and thrombus formation leading to pulmonary embolism, stroke, and, rarely, sudden death due to left ventricular compression. CASE PRESENTATION: A 76-year-old woman was followed up due to atrial fibrillation and tricuspid regurgitation for 8 years. A follow-up echocardiogram showed progressive dilatation of the right atrium. Because of the development of shortness of breath, right atrial plication and tricuspid valve repair were performed. Tricuspid annuloplasty was performed on the beating heart with the use of a 28-mm Carpentier-Edwards Physio tricuspid annuloplasty ring. Plication of the enlarged right atrium was performed at the interatrial septum, the free right atrium wall including the appendage, and the space between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid ring. Closure of the left atrial appendage was performed from outside to prevent left atrial thrombus formation. Postoperative X-ray and computed tomography showed reduced cardiac silhouette and right atrial volume. The patient was discharged uneventfully and returned for follow-up visits with improved symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: An adult case of massive dilatation of the right atrium of unknown etiology is reported. The patient's symptoms were relieved by our operative procedure.