Routine Coronary Angiography in Adults Undergoing Percutaneous Atrial Septal Defect Closure: Implications for...

Secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common adult congenital heart lesion for which percutaneous closure offers treatment in patients with suitable anatomy. We sought to determine the outcomes of coronary angiography in a population of adults >40 years of age who were undergoing percutaneous ASD closure.

Patients >40 years of age who underwent ASD closure between 2009-2016 were included in this retrospective chart review. Coronary angiograms were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers to evaluate the presence and degree of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the resulting clinical sequelae.

A total of 398 patients underwent ASD closure, and 300 had coronary angiography at the time of closure. Mild CAD (10%-39% vessel stenosis) was found in 33 patients (11.0%), moderate CAD (40%-69% vessel stenosis) in 23 patients (7.7%), and severe CAD (≥70% vessel stenosis) in 25 patients (8.3%). Of the 48 patients with moderate to severe CAD, 24 had proximal vessel disease and 21 had multivessel disease. Four patients (8.3%) with moderate to severe CAD subsequently underwent percutaneous interventions, 16 patients (33.3%) had medication changes, 16 patients (33.3%) had perfusion testing followed by medication changes, and 12 patients (25%) had no changes in their medical management.

Given the prevalence of CAD in this population, routine coronary angiography at the time of ASD closure should be reserved for patients with an unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile, who have a higher likelihood of CAD. While patients with ASDs suffer from chest pain and dyspnea both before and after percutaneous closure, few have established CAD.