Related Experiment Videos
Left ventricular function in adults with atrial septal defect
Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Secundum atrial defect can cause subnormal left ventricular ejection fraction and abnormal wall motion. Nitroglycerin improved ejection fraction, suggesting these abnormalities may be primary, not shunt-related.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Secundum atrial defect (SAD) is a common congenital heart condition.
- Left ventricular (LV) function in SAD patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze left ventricular systolic function and wall motion in patients with secundum atrial defect.
- To investigate the effect of nitroglycerin on LV function in SAD patients.
Main Methods:
- Cardiac catheterization was performed on 16 SAD patients.
- Analysis focused on end-systolic and mid-ejection LV parameters.
- Eight patients underwent restudy after sublingual nitroglycerin administration.
Main Results:
- Mean ejection fraction was subnormal (57 ± 8%) compared to controls (71 ± 10%).
- Elevated end-diastolic volumes were observed in 8 patients.
- Nitroglycerin improved ejection fraction from 54% to 70% and normalized hypokinetic areas.
Conclusions:
- Patients with secundum atrial defect exhibit impaired left ventricular systolic function.
- LV wall motion abnormalities in SAD may be primary, independent of shunt size.
- Nitroglycerin demonstrates potential therapeutic benefit in improving LV function in SAD.