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Living with Cor triatriatum dexter

A rare heart difference present from birth in which the right upper heart chamber is split into two parts.

Understanding Cor triatriatum dexter

Cor triatriatum dexter is a rare heart difference present from birth in which the right atrium, an upper heart chamber, is divided into two chambers.

It is caused by a leftover part of the early heart that normally disappears. It occurs on its own, not as part of a syndrome. Symptoms depend on how much the chamber is divided. Some people have none, while others have signs of narrowing of the tricuspid valve, irregular heartbeat, bluish skin, fainting, and right-sided heart failure. It may occur alone or with other heart defects.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from none to many. GARD's summary mentions these:

  • No symptoms in some people
  • Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
  • Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
  • Fainting (syncope)
  • Right-sided heart failure

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include heart and blood vessel specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How much is the chamber divided, and is it affecting blood flow?
Are there other heart differences?
Do I need treatment, or can it be monitored?

Quick facts

GARD says it comes from a leftover part of the early heart that persists in development. GARD doesn't describe a genetic cause.

Also known as: cor triatriatum dexter (disease); cor triatriatum dextrum; divided right atrium

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Cor triatriatum dexterGARD ID 12483 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Cor triatriatum dexter.

Explore the Cor triatriatum dexter blog

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Explore actively recruiting Cor triatriatum dexter studies with HealthSpark.

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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