[Atrial septal defects in Iceland.].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Congenital Heart Disease

Context:

• Atrial septal defects (ASD) represent a significant portion of congenital heart defects (CHD).
• Diagnosis of ASD can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and faint heart murmurs, often requiring echocardiography for confirmation.
• Previous incidence data may underestimate the prevalence of ASD in pediatric populations.

Purpose:

• To determine the incidence of ASD in a defined population in Iceland.
• To identify associated cardiac and non-cardiac defects in patients diagnosed with ASD.
• To evaluate the operative results and outcomes for patients with ASD.

Summary:

• A review of 87 patients born between 1984-93 in Iceland revealed an increasing incidence of ASD, from 0.5/1000 in 1984-85 to 2.6/1000 in 1992-93.
• The majority of ASD cases were secundum type (79 patients), with 30% having other congenital anomalies and 33% having minor cardiac defects.
• 39% of patients underwent or will undergo surgery, 33% experienced spontaneous closure, and 14% had size reduction, with no operative deaths.

Impact:

• ASD appears to be a more common pediatric issue than previously recognized, often presenting with significant associated comorbidities.
• Delayed diagnosis due to vague symptoms and subtle heart murmurs highlights the need for increased clinical awareness.
• Surgical intervention for ASD is demonstrated to be safe with a favorable long-term prognosis, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis and management.