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Updated: May 12, 2026
07:41
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
[A rare ventricular septal defect: a case report].
Maria Francesca Notarangelo1, Federico Bontardelli, Umberto Taliani
1U.O.C. di Cardiologia, Dipartimento Cardio-Nefro-Polmonare, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma. francescanotarangelo@yahoo.it
Giornale Italiano Di Cardiologia (2006)
|April 10, 2013
Summary
The Gerbode defect, a rare heart communication, can now be closed non-surgically. This case report details successful percutaneous closure of a left ventricular-right atrial communication using an Amplatzer device, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Left ventricular-right atrial communications, or Gerbode defects, are rare congenital or acquired ventricular septal defects.
- Acquired Gerbode defects can arise from cardiac surgery, endocarditis, trauma, or myocardial infarction.
- Surgical correction historically carried high mortality rates.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old patient presented with a left ventricular-right atrial communication secondary to mitral valve surgery.
- Diagnosis was confirmed using transesophageal and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.
- The defect was successfully closed percutaneously with an Amplatzer device.
Findings:
- Transcatheter closure of the Gerbode defect resulted in no residual flow.
- The patient experienced significant clinical improvement post-procedure.
- Percutaneous closure offers a less invasive alternative to surgery for these rare defects.
Implications:
- Percutaneous closure represents a safe and effective treatment for acquired Gerbode defects.
- This approach may reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with surgical repair.
- Echocardiography is crucial for accurate diagnosis and procedural guidance.
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