Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Ventricular septal defect complicating myocardial infarction: A case of delayed percutaneous transcatheter closure
Qianhang Xia1, Meihong Chen1, Qingxian Tu2
1Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
Insights
Delayed percutaneous transcatheter closure is a viable option for myocardial defects in patients without severe organ dysfunction. This approach offers a potential treatment pathway for individuals experiencing delayed medical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to delayed medical care for cardiovascular conditions due to patient-related fears.
- Myocardial defects, such as apical myocardial defects, can arise from conditions like myocardial infarction.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old man presented with chest pain during the pandemic, delaying treatment for 4 months.
- Initial diagnosis revealed an old myocardial infarction and an apical myocardial defect.
- The patient initially refused surgical or percutaneous interventions, opting for observation.
Findings:
- Symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath aggravated after 22 months of observation.
- Percutaneous transcatheter closure was successfully performed, leading to patient recovery.
- The case highlights the effectiveness of delayed intervention in specific patient profiles.
Implications:
- Delayed percutaneous transcatheter closure can be a safe and effective treatment for apical myocardial defects.
- This approach is suitable for patients without severe organ dysfunction or hemodynamic instability.
- The study underscores the importance of considering delayed interventions in managing cardiovascular conditions, even post-pandemic.
Abstract:
A 57-year-old man suffered chest pain during the COVID-19 pandemic, but he delayed medical treatment due to fear of infection. After 4 months, symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath appeared. Electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed old myocardial infarction; color sonography and myocardial computed tomography revealed apical myocardial defect. He refused surgery and percutaneous transcatheter closure, and follow-up observation. After 22 months, the symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath aggravated. He recovered after percutaneous transcatheter closure, and was discharged. This case shows delayed closure is one of the possible options for patients without severe organ dysfunction or hemodynamic disturbance.
