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Updated: May 9, 2025

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Atrial Wall Perforation After Atrial Septal Defect Device Closure: A Case Report
Samia Bekheet1,2, Riad Abouzahr2, Zaheer Ahmad2
1Pediatric Cardiology, Cairo University, Cairo, EGY.
Insights
Transcatheter closure for atrial septal defects (ASDs) can rarely cause erosion. A child developed life-threatening pericardial effusion due to device erosion, requiring surgical repair.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Transcatheter device closure is the primary treatment for secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs).
- The Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) is a commonly used device for ASD closure.
Observation:
- A seven-year-old child with secundum ASD underwent successful transcatheter device closure.
- Two weeks post-procedure, the patient developed acute pericardial effusion.
- Diagnosis revealed erosion of the atrial roof by the implanted device.
Findings:
- Echocardiography and cardiac CT confirmed atrial roof erosion by the ASO.
- The patient required surgical intervention for device removal and atrial tear repair.
- Successful surgical closure of the ASD and repair of the atrial tear were performed.
Implications:
- Cardiac erosion is a rare but serious complication of transcatheter ASD device closure.
- This complication can be life-threatening and necessitates prompt diagnosis and management.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for cardiac erosion in patients presenting with effusion post-procedure.
Abstract:
Transcatheter device closure is currently the first modality of choice in the management of secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs). We report a seven-year-old child with secundum ASD who underwent transcatheter ASD device closure using the Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (AGA Medical Corporation, Golden Valley, Minnesota, United States). Two weeks after the procedure, the patient presented with life-threatening acute pericardial effusion as a result of atrial roof erosion. Diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography and cardiac CT scan. Surgical removal of the device and repair of the tear in the atrium together with ASD closure were done. Although rare, cardiac erosion is a significant and life-threatening complication after transcatheter ASD device closure that should not be underestimated.
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