经皮穿刺封堵左心耳的应用解剖

目的:了解正常人左心耳解剖学特征,为经皮穿刺封堵左心耳提供相关的应用解剖.方法:解剖测量30例(男21,女9)正常成年人的心脏标本.结果:左心耳开口的长径、短径及长、短径的最大伸展径分别为(18.5±6.3)、(10.9±5.0)、(24.8±6.3)和(17.6±6.1)mm.左心耳开口周长为(51.7±15.3)mm.左心耳腔的深度为(20.5±6.4)mm;腔的长径、短径及其最大伸展径分别为(15.8±5.7)、(10.4±4.9)、(19.7±5.9)和(14.4±5.8)mm.左心耳与左上、左下肺静脉口的距离及与二尖瓣环的最短距离分别为(4.8±1.9)、(7.8±2.7)和(10.3±3.4)mm.结论:根据本文测量结果,经皮穿刺封堵左心耳是可行的,封堵器心房面的大小应根据左心耳开口的大小及与周边结构的距离来选择.     

左心耳封堵器体外疲劳耐久性试验方法

目的心房颤动是临床上常见的心律失常之一,左心耳封堵术是在传统药物治疗之外发展的通过微创介入封堵左心耳以达到预防血栓栓塞目的的新技术。左心耳封堵器在体内承受周期循环载荷可能会导致封堵器的固定盘发生疲劳断裂,威胁患者生命,并且血流对阻流膜的冲击造成阻流膜破裂导致封堵效果不佳。因此需要建立一种疲劳耐久性试验方法去评估封堵器在人体中的耐疲劳性能。方法首先根据医药行业标准YY 0808—2010确定疲劳试验采用直径控制法;然后确定在疲劳试验中左心耳封堵器的规格、振幅;最后进行疲劳试验获得封堵器在1900万次疲劳(内皮化时间点)和3.8亿次疲劳(10年疲劳时间点)后的状态。结果1900万次疲劳后,阻流膜无破损、缝合线无松脱掉落、金属部位无断裂,封堵器未移动;3.8亿次疲劳后,左心耳封堵器金属部位无断裂、无磨损。结论本研究可为研发和生产左心耳封堵器的企业及科研机构提供一种便捷、高效的疲劳耐久性评价方法。     

心房动脉的应用解剖

目的:为心房切开术或经心房介入治疗术提供心房动脉的解剖学基础.方法:对27例成人心的心房动脉进行解剖,重点观测营养房间隔及左心耳的动脉的起源并测量其外径、主干长度.结果:右心房动脉有2～4支,平均3.0支,均起于右冠状动脉右侧壁,起始处外径为(1.6±0.4) mm,左心房动脉有2～5支,平均3.0支,92.6%分支起于旋支,7.4%的分支来自右冠状动脉.营养房间隔的动脉行于前房间沟下部,48.1%(13例)由右冠状动脉发出,起始处外径为(1.3±0.4) mm,主干长度为(21.0±9.6) mm,51.9%(14例)由旋支发出,起始处外径为(1.2±0.4) mm,主干长度为(9.0±4.2) mm;左心耳动脉有1～5支,平均2.3支,除1例起于右冠状动脉外,其余均起于旋支,起始处外径(0.7±0.4) mm,主干长度(13.1±6.7) mm.根据其行走特点可分为4型.结论:进行心腔内直视手术时需注意房间隔动脉及左心耳动脉的走行特点,以防伤及,引起血供障碍.     

颈腮区手术中耳大神经的临床解剖学观察

目的 研究耳大神经的应用解剖学,为颈腮区相关手术提供临床解剖资料。方法 选取安徽医科大学第一附属医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科2010年11月—2013年10月45例（52侧）头颈腮腺区手术病例进行前瞻性研究,在手术中观察耳大神经出肌点的位置、行程、分支点、分支及其与颈外静脉之间的关系。其中全颈淋巴结清扫术25例（32侧）、腮腺恶性肿瘤手术4例、咽旁间隙肿瘤16例。结果 耳大神经多于胸锁乳突肌后缘中点上下10mm范围内穿出占94．2％（49／52）,并多以单干形式上行,在胸锁乳突肌前缘、腮腺尾部以及下颌角下方10mm左右分成前、中、后3个终支。耳大神经伴行于颈外静脉的后方上行（间距不超过20mm）。结论 耳大神经解剖变异较大,其主干与颈外静脉关系密切,手术时尽可能避免耳大神经损伤。     

偏心型封堵器在嵴内型室间隔缺损介入治疗中的应用分析

目的 探讨偏心型封堵器在嵴内型室间隔缺损(VSD)介入治疗中的临床应用及术后相关并发症的规律,总结嵴内型VSD介入治疗经验,为临床手术适应证的选择提供参考。方法 对2009年1月—2015年2月在南京医科大学附属儿童医院心脏中心进行介入治疗的65例嵴内型VSD患儿临床资料进行回顾分析,按所选择封堵器大小分为A组(封堵器型号≤6 mm,n=29)和B组(封堵器型号≥7 mm,n=36),分析两组术前合并肺动脉高压、主动脉瓣脱垂、返流情况、手术时间、X线曝光时间及术后并发症等情况。结果 A组(封堵器型号≤6 mm)29例术前未合并肺动脉高压,术后严重并发症1例,手术时间(62.4±13.8)min、X线曝光时间(13.2±5.6)min;B组(封堵器型号≥7 mm)36例术前合并肺动脉高压7例,术后严重并发症10例,手术时间(84.1±16.7)min,X线曝光时间(20.5±7.4) min,两组差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.05)。A组和B组术后轻微并发症分别有6例和9例,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。结论 随嵴内型VSD直径的增大,所使用封堵器型号相应增大,手术时间及X线曝光时间明显延长,术后严重并发症如主动脉瓣损伤、完全性左束支传导阻滞等发生率偏多,因此对需选择偏心型封堵器型号≥7 mm的病例介入封堵治疗时应谨慎。     

枕小和耳大神经移植修复面神经缺损的应用解剖

目的为枕小和耳大神经移植修复面神经缺损提供形态学基础。方法在32侧成人标本上,观测颈丛皮神经的行程、长度、横径和血供情况。结果枕小和耳大神经的长度分别为（7．7±0．8）cm和（7．9±0．9）cm;横径分别为（1．6±0．4）mm和（2．2±0．4）mm。枕小和耳大神经的血供主要来源于颈升动脉神经支、枕动脉的胸锁乳突肌皮支和耳后动脉皮支。结论枕小和耳大神经可作为面神经移植的一个合适而易得的理想供体,行自体神经游离移植或吻合血管神经移植用以修复各种原因所致的面神经缺损。     

耳后发际入路内镜辅助下颌下腺切除术的解剖研究

目的　为耳后发际入路内镜辅助下颌下腺切除术提供解剖学依据,并评价其可行性和安全性。 方法　新鲜尸体15具（30侧）,观测耳后发际区和颌下区的解剖层次及重要结构。新鲜尸体5具（10侧）,模拟内镜手术,术后解剖标本,观察有无神经、血管损伤。 结果　耳后发际区的分离层面在表浅肌肉腱膜系统与颈深筋膜浅层之间。胸锁乳突肌上部浅面,由后上至前下依次为枕小神经、耳大神经、颈外静脉。颌下区的分离层面在颈阔肌深面与下颌下腺鞘膜之间。下颌缘支出腮腺后：①66.7%行于下颌骨下缘之上（7.21±0.50）mm;②23.3%平行下颌骨下缘;③10％行于下颌骨下缘以下（9.43±0.32）mm。在咬肌前下角处,面神经下颌缘支均与面动脉和面静脉交叉,交叉点至下颌角距离分别为（29.86±2.77）mm和（25.71±3.32）mm。舌下神经经茎突舌骨肌和二腹肌后腹深面进入颌下区。舌骨舌肌浅面,自上而下分别是舌神经、下颌下腺导管、舌下神经。10侧模拟手术顺利完成,术中无重要结构损伤,无需中转切口。 结论　熟悉耳后发际区和颌下区的解剖层次、标志及参数,耳后发际入路内镜辅助下颌下腺切除术安全、可行。     

一种经皮植入式左心辅助装置的泵流量测试

目的 研究设计一种能用于心血管急危重症的经皮植入式左心辅助装置（血泵）。方法 根据机翼理论,设计一种经皮植入的左心辅助装置,通过测量3种不同参数（叶片旋转角度、血泵出水口距离、血泵出水口长度）的血泵所能产生的流量,最终选择最优化的血泵设计。结果 经过简易流量测定装置测量,当血泵采取单叶设计,血泵叶片的旋转角度为720°时,或血泵出水口与叶片的距离为0 mm时,血泵出水口长度为4 mm时,血泵流量最大。结论 选择能产生最大流量的参数值,研制出一种可在体外正常运转的经皮植入式左心辅助装置,为最终研制一种可用于临床的经皮植入式左心辅助装置提供理论和数据支持。     

耳内镜干、湿耳状态下Ⅱ型鼓室成形术疗效分析

目的 比较耳内镜干、湿耳状态下Ⅱ型鼓室成形术的疗效,评估湿耳下Ⅱ型鼓室成形术的可行性。方法 回顾性队列研究。纳入安徽医科大学第一附属医院耳鼻咽喉头颈外科2018年1月—2020年10月40例耳内镜下Ⅱ型鼓室成形术的慢性中耳炎患者的临床资料。其中,男14例、女26例,年龄18~72岁。依据术前鼓室黏膜炎性状态分为湿耳组22例和干耳组18例。观察指标：（1）比较2组患者性别、年龄、病程、手术时间、术前骨气导差等基线资料;（2）比较2组患者术后3个月时听力改善情况;（3）观察2组患者鼓膜愈合情况,比较手术前后4 kHz骨导听阈的变化以及术后并发症发生情况。结果 2组患者术后均获得干耳,无再次流脓。（1）2组患者的年龄、病程、术前骨气导差、手术时间等基线资料比较差异均无统计学意义（P值均 > 0.05）,性别构成差异有统计学意义（P = 0.028）。（2）术后3个月听力改善情况：湿耳组、干耳组气导的平均听阈术前分别为（63.03±16.63）dB、（53.89±13.85）dB,术后分别为（46.59±13.86）dB、（39.51±12.92）dB,差异均有统计学意义（t = 13.35、10.13,P值均 < 0.001）;骨导平均听阈术前分别为（30.30±13.48）dB、（26.25±9.94）dB,术后分别为（30.10±12.53）dB、（26.11±9.55）dB,差异均无统计学意义（t = 0.47、0.36,P = 0.642、0.723）。2组患者骨气导差术后均较术前显著降低,其中干耳组由（27.2 ± 9.4）dB降至（13.4 ± 6.4）dB,湿耳组由（32.7 ± 9.0）dB降至（16.5 ± 4.8）dB,差异均有统计学意义（t =10.24、14.34,P值均 < 0.001）。2组间比较,手术前后骨气导差以及术后骨气导差的降低值差异均无统计学意义（P值均 > 0.05）,2组手术前后4 kHz骨导听阈差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。（3）2组患者随访3个月,鼓膜均完全愈合,均未出现感音神经性聋、面瘫等并发症。结论 耳内镜湿耳状态下Ⅱ型鼓室成形术后患者的听力恢复及鼓膜愈合情况与干耳状态疗效相当,该手术是可行的。     

MRI对胰腺导管内乳头状粘液瘤良恶性的诊断价值

目的 探讨MRI对胰腺导管内乳头状粘液性肿瘤（IPMN）良恶性的鉴别诊断价值。方法 收集2012年1月~2018年6月我院经手术病理证实的IPMN患者24例,均行MRI检查（包括MRI平扫、三期增强以及MRCP）,分析IPMN MRI表现、IPMN良恶性因素,并采用ROC曲线分析IPMN肿瘤最大径及胰管扩张直径与肿瘤良恶性关系。结果 24例IPMN患者中,良性14例,恶性10例。良性与恶性在性别、肿瘤分型、病变位置间比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;恶性年龄大于良性,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。IPMN恶性肿瘤最大径为（55.70±10.73）mm,大于良性的（34.20±7.65）mm,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;IPMN肿瘤最大径与肿瘤良恶性关系ROC曲线分析得出:曲线下面积（AUC）为0.87,肿瘤最大径最佳临界值为46.40 mm,敏感度为85.68%,特异性为83.35%。IPMN恶性主胰管扩张最大径为（8.91±3.22）mm,大于良性的（4.82±1.33）mm,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;IPMN胰管扩张直径与肿瘤良恶性关系ROC曲线分析得出:AUC为0.88,胰管扩张最大径最佳临界值为7.35 mm,敏感度为70.00%,特异性为85.73%。结论 MRI能很好显示胰管扩张、囊性病变、管壁内结节等特征,在评估IPMN良恶性中具有敏感性。     

Morphology of the left atrial appendage

Background: When examining the left atrial appendage by transesophageal echocardiography, differences in size and shape of the left atrial appendage are to be observed. The study was carried out with the aim of investigating the morphology of the left atrial appendage and to find associations with pathologic cardiac findings. Methods and results: In 220 cases (106 female, 114 male, mean age 72 ± 13 years) a cast of the left atrial appendage was made after the post mortem examination by using synthetic resin. In 198 cases an ECG was available (sinus rhythm n = 143, atrial fibrillation n = 55). The casts were described in respect to course and ramifications of the principal axis. The casts were measured concerning orifice diameters, outline, and volume. Most frequently (42%) the course of the principal axis was angulated below 100°. More than five ramifications of the principal axis were found in 56% of the casts. The volume ranged from 770–19,270 mm³ (mean 5,220 ± 3,041). When comparing the clinical and autopsy-data of the patients with the morphology of the casts, associations could be found between the volume of the casts and atrial fibrillation (7,060 mm³ as compared to 4,645 mm³ in sinus rhythm, P < 0.01), left ventricular hypertrophy (5,740 mm³ as compared to 4,639 mm³ without hypertrophy, P < 0.01), myocardial scars (5,923 mm³ as compared to 4,891 mm³ without scars, P < 0.05), closed foramen ovale (5,515 mm³ as compared to 4,037 mm³ with patent foramen ovale, P < 0.01), and left atrial appendage thrombi (8,566 mm³ as compared to 5,027 mm³ without thrombi, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Left atrial appendages are formations greatly varying in volume and shape. This variability should be considered when interpreting images of the left atrial appendage, and in particular when diagnosing thrombi. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Early experience using a left atrial appendage occlusion device in patients with atrial fibrillation

Purpose

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the major risk factors for ischemic stroke, and 90% of thromboembolisms in these patients arise from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Recently, it has been documented that an LAA occlusion device (OD) is not inferior to warfarin therapy, and that it reduces mortality and risk of stroke in patients with AF.

Materials and Methods

We implanted LAA-ODs in 5 Korean patients (all male, 59.8±7.3 years old) with long-standing persistent AF or permanent AF via a percutaneous trans-septal approach.

Results

1) The major reasons for LAA-OD implantation were high risk of recurrent stroke (80%), labile international neutralizing ratio with hemorrhage (60%), and 3/5 (60%) patients had a past history of failed cardioversion for rhythm control. 2) The mean LA size was 51.3±5.0 mm and LAA size was 25.1×30.1 mm. We implanted the LAA-OD (28.8±3.4 mm device) successfully in all 5 patients with no complications. 3) After eight weeks of anticoagulation, all patients switched from warfarin to anti-platelet agent after confirmation of successful LAA occlusion by trans-esophageal echocardiography.

Conclusion

We report on our early experience with LAA-OD deployment in patients with 1) persistent or permanent AF who cannot tolerate anticoagulation despite significant risk of ischemic stroke, or 2) recurrent stroke in patients who are unable to maintain sinus rhythm.     

Anatomical features and clinical importance of left atrial diverticula

To assess the anatomical features and clinical importance of left atrial diverticula and atrial accessory appendages in patients undergoing cardiac computed tomography with multidetector computed tomography. A total of 1305 consecutive patients (385 female, 29.5%; 920 male, 70.5%) were assessed using electrocardiogram‐gated computed tomography between May 2010 and June 2013. The anatomical features and the prevalences of left atrial diverticula and left atrial accessory appendages were retrospectively assessed by four radiologists. The relationships between the prevalence and size of the diverticula and the age and gender of the patients were assessed. Among the 1305 patients, 610 (46.7%) exhibited 708 left atrial diverticula, and 62 (4.8%) exhibited left atrial accessory appendages. The most common locations of the left atrial diverticula were the right anterior superior wall (n = 328, 46.3%) and the lateral superior wall (n = 96, 13.5%). In addition to classical cystic and tubular diverticula, 49 (3.7%) of the patients exhibited mixed (cystic‐tubular), conical, or hook‐shaped diverticula and diverticular forms containing mural calcifications. There was no significant relationship between the prevalence of diverticula and the age and gender of the patients (P > 0.05). In addition to tubular and cystic diverticula, the left atrial wall can host different diverticular forms (such as mixed, conical, calcific, and hook shaped). It could be beneficial to assess the left atrium using MDCT to determine the source of emboli in cryptogenic embolism and to reduce complications associated with interventional procedures performed for left atrial arrhythmias. Clin. Anat. 27:738–747, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

三维超声心动图对慢性肾脏疾病患者左心房容积和功能的评价

目的探究在评价慢性肾脏疾病(CKD)患者的左心房容积及功能中三维超声心动图(3DE)的应用价值。方法选择CKD 2~5期非透析慢性肾脏疾病患者101例,其中男性58例,女性43例;年龄20~65岁,平均年龄42.68岁。依据患者的肾小球滤过率(GFR)水平分为CKD 2~5组,其中CKD 2组(CKD 2期,GFR 60~89 mL/min)24例,CKD 3组(CKD 3期,GFR 30~59 m L/min)26例,CKD 4组(CKD 4期,GFR 15~29 mL/min)25例,CKD 5组(CKD 5期,GFR <15 mL/min)26例。同时另选择25例正常受试者作为对照组,其中男性15例,女性10例;年龄26~64岁,平均年龄43.85岁。对全容积3DE图像进行采集,采用软件脱机分析,收集左心房各3DE的容积参数,具体包括左心房前后径(LAD)、左心室舒张末期的前后径(LVIDd)、舒张末期的室间隔厚度(LAVImax)、收缩前容积指数(LAVIp)和最小容积指数(LAVImin),并计算左心房总排空指数(LAVItotal)、主动排空指数(LAVIact)、被动排空指数(LAVIpass)、主动排空分数(LAAEF)、被动排空分数(LAPEF)、总排空分数(LATEF),对比各组间不同参数的差异情况。结果左心房储备功能3DE容积参数比较:CKD各组LAVImax、LAVIp与对照组相比明显增高,且CKD 4组和CKD 5组增高更明显(P <0.05)。CKD 4组和CKD 5组LAVImin与对照组、CKD 2组和CKD 3组相比明显增高(P <0.05)。CKD 4组和CKD 5组LAVItotal、LATEF与对照组相比有明显增高(P <0.05)。左心房管道功能3DE容积参数比较:CKD各组LAPEF与对照组相比有明显降低,其中CKD 5组降低更明显(P <0.05)。左心房助力泵功能3DE容积参数比较:CKD各组LAVIact与对照组相比明显降低,其中CKD 5组降低更明显(P <0.05)。结论 CKD各期患者左心房储备、助力泵功能和容积指数均有明显增加,同时左心房的管道功能明显下降。3DE对早期评估CKD患者左心房容积与功能有着重要价值。     

Impact of sex differences on outcomes in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation undergoing left atrial appendage closure: A single-center experience

Female patients affected by non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) have a higher risk of stroke compared with male patients. Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure has been demonstrated as a reasonable alternative to warfarin therapy for stroke prevention in patients with NVAF. However, the impact of sex-related differences on outcomes in patients undergoing LAA closure (LAAC) remains unclear. Our study investigated the differences in LAAC efficacy and safety endpoints between sexes. 387 consecutive patients undergoing WATCHMAN device implantation were enrolled and stratified by sex. Baseline clinical characteristics, procedural data, severe peri-procedural complications and long-term outcomes were compared between men and women. Measurements of LAA width and depth, device implantation success rate, and the frequency of severe peri-procedural complications were comparable between the two groups. After an average follow-up length of two years post LAAC, no significant differences were observed in the risks for composite thromboembolic events (P = 0.096), major bleeding (P = 0.129), and combined primary (co-primary) efficacy events (P = 0.231) between sexes, but the risk of all-cause death decreased significantly in women compared with men (P = 0.045). After performing propensity matching adjustment for residual confounders, the sex-related differences in the cumulative ratio of freedom from all-cause death did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.062), as was also observed with the cumulative ratio of freedom from composite thromboembolic events (P = 0.104), major bleeding (P = 0.134), and co-primary efficacy events (P = 0.241). The observed annual rate of thromboembolic events was significantly decreased by 67.1% (P < 0.01) and 52.5% (P < 0.05) and the observed annual rate of bleeding was reduced by 33.6% (P < 0.05) and 43.5% (P < 0.05) in men and women when compared with the predicted risk based on CHA₂DS₂VASc score and HAS-BLED score, respectively. LAAC can be considered as an effective and safe strategy in preventing thromboembolic events and decreasing bleeding risks in NVAF patients, regardless of sex. LAAC appears to normalize the sex-specific differences in NVAF patients both in terms of safety and efficacy.     

A Comparative Study of Three Imaging Modalities for Size Selection of a Watchman Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

PurposeTo compare the results of computed tomography angiography (CTA), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) measurements and analyze their accuracy, correlation, and consistency in patients who have successfully undergone left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).Materials and MethodsA total of 157 non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who underwent LAAC with Watchman devices were included in the study. The maximum diameter and depth of LAA were recorded using CTA, TEE, and DSA. Correlations and agreements were compared.ResultsThe LAAC procedure was performed successfully in all patients using the Watchman device. There was no significant difference between DSA and TEE measurements of the diameter of the LAA ostium. LAA ostium diameter obtained by CTA, however, was greater than that from DSA and TEE. Correlations were good between LAA ostium diameter measured by TEE, CTA, and DSA and Watchman device size. DSA measurements and actual device size showed the widest limits of agreement, followed by TEE; CTA measurements showed the narrowest limits of agreement. For LAA depth measurements, mean CTA measurements were higher than those of TEE and DSA. There was no significant difference in depth measurements among the three imaging modalities.ConclusionCTA, TEE, and DSA measurements exhibited good correlations with Watchman device size. The ostium diameter and depth of the LAA measured by CTA were greater than those measured by TEE and DSA. The relevance and concordance of CTA measurements were the strongest.     

高血压合并阵发性房颤患者心脏超声临床特点

目的:观察分析高血压合并阵发性房颤患者的心脏超声特点,为临床准确诊断提供依据.方法:选取2019年08月至2020年08月我院收治的51例高血压合并阵发性房颤患者作为研究组,同时选取51例单纯高血压患者作为常规组,所有患者均接受心脏超声诊断确定有无二尖瓣返流;同时观察心脏收缩期右房上下径、左房前后径、室间隔厚度、舒张期...     

起搏QRS波时限与左心结构和功能的关系

目的探讨长期右室心尖起搏患者的起搏QRS时限与左心结构、左心室收缩功能及心室间不同步的关系。方法长期右室心尖部起搏患者共105例,通过常规体表心电图测得起搏QRS（pQRS）时限,运用常规心脏超声心动图检测主动脉根部内径（AO）、左房内径（LAD）、收缩末期左心室内径（LVDs）、舒张末期左心室内径（LVDd）、室间隔厚度（IVST）、左室后壁厚度（LVPWT）及左室射血分数（LVEF）,分析pQRS时限与以上各心超指标的关系。结果 pQRS时限与LVDd、LVDs及IVST呈正相关（r分别为0.334、0.385和0.289,前两者P〈0.01,后者P〈0.05）,与LVEF负相关（r=-0.312,P〈0.05）;pQRS时限与LAD的相关性更显著（r=0.595,P〈0.01）。以pQRS时限≥180ms诊断左房扩大时,敏感度和特异度分别为86.49%和67.74%。结论对于长期右室心尖部起搏的患者,pQRS时限与左心大小及左心室收缩功能相关;pQRS时限延长（≥180ms）,提示左心房扩大。     

Spontaneous inversion of left atrial appendage.

Inversion of the left atrial appendage is a rare phenomenon and frequently occurs as a complication following cardiac operations. Spontaneous inversion is even rarer, and so far, only three cases have been reported. We report an additional case of spontaneous inversion in 4-month female with Down's syndrome, hypothyroidism, and complete atrioventricular canal defect.