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Oxford University Press (OUP), Age and Ageing, 5(38), p. 627-628

DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afp111

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Unilateral breast oedema in a case of non-rheumatic giant left atrium.

Journal article published in 2009 by Meghna Jani ORCID, Chandan Biswas
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Giant left atrium (GLA) is a well-described entity in association with rheumatic heart disease. However, mitral valve prolapse is an extremely unusual cause of GLA, especially without the compressive symptoms it can often accompany. We discuss a case of a 78-year-old lady with no prior history of rheumatic heart disease with these findings with the unusual presentation of accompanied unilateral breast oedema as a manifestation of heart failure. This case illustrates the investigations and treatment options for GLA and the need for prompt assessment as it increases the risk of sudden death; therefore, its presence warrants careful evaluation and surgical intervention when appropriate.