A patient presents with LVH. and pulmonary complications. ECG, shows left axis deviation. Most likely diagnosis is –
**Core Concept**
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a condition characterized by thickening of the left ventricular wall, often due to hypertension or aortic stenosis. Left axis deviation (LAD) on an electrocardiogram (ECG) suggests an abnormality in the electrical conduction of the heart, where the electrical impulse is directed towards the left side of the heart.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Left axis deviation is often associated with a condition known as "cor pulmonale," which refers to right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) secondary to pulmonary hypertension. However, in this case, the presence of LVH and left axis deviation suggests a different diagnosis - cor triatriatum, a rare congenital heart defect characterized by a membrane dividing the left atrium into two compartments. This membrane can lead to obstruction of blood flow, resulting in pulmonary complications and left ventricular hypertrophy.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not relevant to the clinical presentation described.
**Option B:** This option may be a distractor, but it is not directly related to the ECG finding of left axis deviation.
**Option C:** This option is a plausible diagnosis, but it does not explain the left axis deviation on the ECG.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When interpreting an ECG, remember that left axis deviation can be a sign of cor triatriatum, a rare but important congenital heart defect.
**Correct Answer: C. Cor triatriatum.**