Introduction
Left atrial dissection is a rare complication of cardiac surgery and
percutaneous cardiac procedures. It is defined as a false blood-filled
cavity or lumen from mitral annular area to the left atrial free wall or
into the atrial septum thereby creating a new chamber with or without
communications with the true left atrium. It has been most commonly
described following mitral valve surgery .
Cases of left atrial dissection have also been reported following aortic
valve surgery chest, CABG, trauma acute MI, infective endocarditis,
radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation and rarely following
percutaneous coronary interventions. The case we describe here occurred
in the setting of a percutaneous coronary intervention, such occurrence
is less common. The purpose of our case report is to increase
recognition of this rare but potentially lethal complication and to
review management strategies.