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Aneurysm of the membraous septum in ventricular septal defect
Insights
Aneurysms of the membranous septum are common in children with ventricular septal defects. While they decrease shunt size, complete spontaneous closure is rare, though aneurysms may resolve over time.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a common congenital heart anomaly.
- Aneurysms of the membranous septum are a recognized, though less common, finding in VSD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of membranous septal aneurysms in patients with VSD.
- To assess the impact of these aneurysms on shunt characteristics and natural history.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of cardiac catheterization data.
- Longitudinal follow-up of patients diagnosed with membranous septal aneurysms and VSD.
Main Results:
- Membranous septal aneurysms were frequently observed in VSD patients, particularly those over 2 years old.
- Aneurysm development correlated with a significant reduction in left-to-right shunt.
- Complete spontaneous closure of the VSD was not observed, though aneurysms appeared to resolve in some older patients.
Conclusions:
- Membranous septal aneurysms are a common echocardiographic finding in VSD patients and can reduce shunt severity.
- While spontaneous closure of VSDs with aneurysms is unlikely, the aneurysms themselves may resolve over time.
Abstract:
An aneurysm of the membranous septum was found frequently in patients with ventricular septal defect; although appearance at catheterization during infancy was not common, aneurysms were detected in about half of the patients older than 2 years of age. A significant decrease in the left-to-right shunt occurred with the development of an aneurysm, but progression to complete spontaneous closure was not seen in any patient. In three older patients, an aneurysm of the membranous septum "disappeared" with time, even though complete spontaneous closure had not occurred.