Evaluation of Liver Stiffness After Atrial Septal Defect Closure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hepatology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Atrial septal defect (ASD) can lead to significant cardiovascular and hepatic complications.
• Evaluating the impact of ASD closure on liver health and cardiac function is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess liver stiffness (LS) and right ventricle (RV) function following atrial septal defect (ASD) closure.
• To determine if LS can be a reliable follow-up parameter after ASD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-six patients were categorized into three groups: no ASD closure, ASD closure, and ASD with Eisenmenger syndrome.
• Liver stiffness was measured using liver elastography 1 year after ASD closure.
• Echocardiographic parameters and LS changes were compared across groups.

Main Results:

• Patients who underwent ASD closure showed significant reductions in liver size and LS.
• Significant improvements were observed in RV and left ventricle (LV) dimensions, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and LV ejection fraction.
• Changes in LS and cardiac dimensions were significantly more favorable in the ASD closure group.

Conclusions:

• ASD closure leads to significant improvements in liver stiffness.
• Liver stiffness is a valuable objective parameter for monitoring treatment effectiveness in ASD patients.
• Combined assessment of LS and echocardiography provides comprehensive follow-up data.