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Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Updated 4/2011

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Pathophysiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment
  • Surgery

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Diet
  • Patient Education
  • Prognosis
  • Complications
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS

Description
  • Congenital defect or opening in the atrial septum allowing flow of blood between the 2 atria
  • Shunting:
    • Typically left to right; occurs in late ventricular systole and early diastole
    • Degree depends on size of the defect and relative compliance (pressures) of the 2 ventricles
    • There can be minimal right-to-left shunting in early ventricular systole, especially during inspiration.
  • Asymptomatic early in life. Exertional dyspnea or fatigue. Late cyanotic shunt.
  • Types by location in the interatrial septum:
    • 75%: Ostium secundum defect occurs in the fossa ovalis region; most common and most amenable to percutaneous device closure
    • 10%: Sinus venosus defect occurs in the superior-posterior atrial septum near the orifice of the superior vena cava; usually associated with ...

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Figure 21.18 An atrial septal defect is an abnormal opening between the right and left atria. Basically, three types of abnormalities result from incorrect development of the atrial septum. An incompetent foramen ovale is the most common defect. The ostium secundum defect results from abnormal development of the septum secundum and causes an opening in the middle of the septum. Improper development of the septum primum produces an opening at the lower end of the septum known as an ostium primum defect, frequently involving the atrioventricular valves. In general, left-to-right shunting of blood occurs in all atrial septal defects.Credit: NA
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