Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Atrial septal defect in an elderly woman-a case report
1Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania. camiluciemi@yahoo.com
Journal of Medicine and Life
|April 21, 2011
Summary
This case highlights a rare instance of an atrial septal defect in a 75-year-old woman, diagnosed late due to subtle symptoms. Echocardiography confirmed severe cardiac complications, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis for atrial septal defects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are common congenital anomalies in adults, often undiagnosed.
- ASDs involve a defect in the interatrial septum, allowing blood flow from the left to the right atrium.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old female presented with dyspnea, orthopnea, edema, and palpitations.
- She had a history of atrial fibrillation and heart failure (NYHA class II).
Findings:
- Transthoracic echocardiography revealed significant cardiac chamber dilation and severe tricuspid and mitral valve insufficiency.
- Diagnosis of ostium secundum atrial septal defect with a left-to-right shunt, severe pulmonary hypertension, and reduced ejection fraction (29%).
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for ASDs to remain asymptomatic for decades.
- Late diagnosis can lead to severe pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, highlighting the need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
01:22Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular tachycardia.
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
01:27Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
01:29Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
01:20Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...