Secundum atrial septal defect

Case contributed by Katia Kaplan-List
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Referred with the indication of a "hole in the heart"

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
  • Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.
mri

There is a small jet extending across the inter-atrial septum from the left to the right atrium consistent with ostium secundum atrial septal defect.

Case Discussion

Secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), located in the central part of the atrial septum within the floor of the fossa ovalis, is the most common type of ASD. It is a shunt between the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Patients with an isolated ASD often remain asymptomatic early in life. If untreated, it results in exercise intolerance, arrhythmias, right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and reduced life expectancy. Secundum defects can occur in isolation or as part of a syndrome. ASD closure is indicated except in patients with severe and irreversible pulmonary arterial hypertension. 

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