Differences and similarities in interatrial shunts management

Atrial septal defects (ASD) and Patent foramen ovale (PFO) represent the most common congenital heart diseases (CHD) adulthood. These two clinical entities, having different embryological origin, as well as clinical manifestations, clinical course and treatment must be carefully distinguished. Right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension are considered the major determinants of morbidity and mortality in ASD. Conversely, new pathophysiology concepts have been raised in the management of PFO as left atrium cardiopathy. New diagnostic tools, including cardiac magnetic resonance and intracardiac echocardiography have joint transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnostic definition of both ASD and PFO as well as in guiding their percutaneous closure. Moreover, several innovations have been developed in the field of percutaneous ASD and PFO closure devices including new evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of device-based closure. Aim of the present review is to present review we provided and update overview on ASD and PFO, focusing on the novel concepts regarding their pathophysiological and therapeutic aspects.