Dr. Isaac Gana
Cardiology
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My 11 year old daughter has been experiencing intermittent chest pains and fast pulse for about 18 to 24 months. She has had a normal ECG and physical examination, but echocardiogram has shown a mobile interatrial septum with a left to right flow. It was identified with color flow across a small atrial septal defect, of an approximate diameter of 2.1 mm. No chamber enlargement or increased flow is seen through RVOT/PV. I have taken these details from my copy of the letter sent from the pediatrician to the pediatric cardiologist. I do not know how long we will be waiting for an appointment, and over the phone, I was just told they had found a small hole in her heart. While I understand the basic problem, I would like to know the following, are the mobile interatrial septum and the ASD or PFO two separate problems? So, does she have an aneurysm as well as a hole? Does the 2.1 mm mean the actual size or diameter of the hole or something else? Is she safe to do normal things like exercise? And we have a holiday booked, is she safe to fly?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Sorry to hear about your daughter's health issues. ASD (atrial septal defect) and PFO (patent foramen ovale) are two different things. No, there is no evidence suggestive of an aneurysm. Based on the findings, it is suggestive of a PFO rather than ASD. In most cases of ASD, there would be chamber involvement or enlargement. Most ASD's are between 6 to 7 mm from my experience. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is used to confirm a PFO instead of the regular ECHO. 2.2 mm means the size of the hole. Yes, she can do normal physical activities, and she can fly. Although I advise you keep an eye on her, just in case of changes. She will be fine. I doubt her symptoms has much to do with the defect because most of the patients do not have symptoms and live a very normal life. The ones that normally present symptoms do after 35 to 40 years of age.
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Cardiology
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