Is atrial septal defect a dangerous condition to manage?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son is 2 years and 4 months old. He weighs 24 pounds. When he was 4 months old, his doctor recommended I take an echo test.

In the echo, he found a cyanotic congenital heart disease. The report showed a small ASD 6 mm left to right shunt RA RV. Normal biventricular function. Mild PS GMAX 20 mm Hg. The doctor informed me that I should repeat his echo after two years. Is the situation dangerous? Please explain.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

ASD (atrial septal defect) is a hole in the partition between two upper chambers of the heart. If it is of patent foramen ovale (PFO) type then usually after two years it closes by itself. But, if it is an ostium secundum OS ASD type, then it will not close by itself.

A device closure has to be done. Echo (echocardiogram) has to be repeated after two years to see the effect of ASD on the heart and to see whether it is closed or not. It will also help the doctor to plan for closure if open.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

He did not mention anything in the report. You just go and ask him again regarding the type of ASD.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.