[Congenital aneurysms of the left atrium with intact pericardium--value of diagnostic methods for recognition, prognosis and therapy].

An intrapericardial aneurysm of the left atrial appendage in a 7-year-old girl is reported. Review of the 36 cases described up to now reveals that there is no specific age for this disease. It is therefore questioned whether this defect is really congenital in origin. Systemic embolism and serious rhythm disturbances are the most common complications; the younger the patient, the less likely they are to occur. Systemic embolism has only been described in the case of aneurysms located at the left atrial appendage, not in aneurysms of other parts of the left atrial wall. The risk of the development of rhythm disorders, however, is independent of the location within the left atrium. Clinical findings (including ECG) are nonspecific. Cardiomegaly and unusual configuration of the heart are constantly found, but are not pathognomonic. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by angiocardiography. Operation seems always to be indicated if complications are to be avoided. Operative deaths or complications during the follow-up after operation are not described. Nothing is known about the etiology of the disease.