Rare Case: Dubai Doctors Stunned by Discovery of Patient with Five Heart Chambers

Rare Case: Dubai Doctors Stunned by Discovery of Patient with Five Heart Chambers

In a remarkable medical anomaly, doctors in Dubai were taken aback by the discovery of a patient with five heart chambers instead of the usual four. This exceedingly rare condition, known as cor triatriatum sinister, shocked medical professionals at Aster Hospital in Mankool, Dubai, who had never encountered it before.

The case involved a 51-year-old Indian man who sought medical attention at Aster Hospital after experiencing chest pains, fearing a heart attack. Upon examination, doctors were astounded to find that the patient had three upper chambers in his heart instead of the typical two.

Cor triatriatum sinister affects less than 0.004 percent of the population and is extremely uncommon. In fact, doctors believe it to be the same condition that caused the untimely demise of Indian cinema star Madhubala at the age of 36 in 1969.

Dr. Sachin Upadhyaya, a cardiology specialist at Aster Hospital, described the unprecedented nature of the case, highlighting the lack of prior experience among medical staff in dealing with such a condition. Despite the rarity of the anomaly, doctors were able to provide treatment through medication, avoiding the need for surgery. The patient is currently recuperating at home under regular medical supervision.

Congenital heart defects like cor triatriatum sinister are typically detected in newborns through routine screenings. However, discovering such a defect in an otherwise healthy adult is exceptionally rare. These defects are often linked to factors such as parental age and consanguinity, with children born to older parents or those in consanguineous relationships being at higher risk.

Although congenital heart defects remain uncommon, doctors note an increase in such cases due to societal trends like delayed parenthood. The incidence rate, historically at around eight severe defects per 1,000 births worldwide, has risen to approximately 9.5 per 1,000 births, reflecting the impact of changing demographics.

While corrective surgery is often necessary for severe congenital heart defects, milder anomalies may go undetected until later in life, as in the case of the 51-year-old patient. Despite the rarity of such conditions, early detection through screening can lead to timely intervention and improved outcomes for patients.

Dr. CG Venkitachalam, a cardiologist at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention in ensuring the long-term health and well-being of patients with congenital heart defects. He noted that while these anomalies can pose significant health challenges, early diagnosis and appropriate management can enable patients to lead fulfilling lives.

As medical professionals continue to grapple with rare medical anomalies like cor triatriatum sinister, cases such as these underscore the need for ongoing research and vigilance in identifying and addressing congenital heart defects. While such conditions may present unique challenges, advancements in medical technology and expertise offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

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