Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Temporary atrioventricular complete block that develops following the transcatheter closure of ventricular septal
Sevcan Erdem1, Alev Kizlltaş, Osman Küçükosmanoğlu
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Adana, Turkey.
Insights
Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSD) can risk atrioventricular (AV) block. Prompt steroid and salicylate treatment aided recovery in a pediatric patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSD) using the Amplatzer device is a common procedure.
- Atrioventricular (AV) block is a recognized, albeit infrequent, complication.
- Early identification and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Observation:
- A 6.5-year-old female patient underwent successful transcatheter closure of a perimembranous VSD.
- Six days post-procedure, the patient developed complete AV block.
- The patient's cardiac rhythm normalized following treatment with steroids and salicylates.
Findings:
- Complete atrioventricular block can occur days after perimembranous VSD closure.
- Steroid and salicylate therapy demonstrated efficacy in resolving post-procedural AV block.
- This case highlights a potential, delayed complication of VSD transcatheter closure.
Implications:
- Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for AV block after perimembranous VSD closure.
- Close cardiac rhythm monitoring is essential during both short- and long-term follow-up.
- This case underscores the importance of considering non-surgical interventions for managing such complications.
Abstract:
Atrioventricular (AV) block is a potential risk after transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) with the Amplatzer perimembranous device. We present herein a case of a 6.5-year-old female patient who developed complete AV block six days after closure of VSD and recovered with steroid and salicylate treatment. It is important to be alert to the development of AV block after transcatheter perimembranous VSD closure. Very careful monitoring of rhythm is mandatory during the short- and long-term follow-up.
