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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure
Published on: February 8, 2022
Infective Endocarditis 19 Months After Transcatheter Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Closure in a 6-Year-Old
Camille Gery1, Anne Sophie Leborgne2, Grégoire Albenque1
1Filière des cardiopathies congénitales enfant adultes, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Centre constitutif du réseau maladies rares malformations cardiaques congénitales complexes-M3C, les Hôpitaux Saint Joseph et Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France.
Background:
Infective endocarditis (IE) after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is rare.
Case Summary:
We report the case of a 6-year-old girl who developed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus IE 19 months after ASD closure with an Amplatzer device. She presented with severe sepsis, a large vegetation on the right atrial side of the occluder, and moderate tricuspid regurgitation. Despite empirical antibiotic therapy, persistent bacteremia mandated surgical removal of the device, ASD closure with a pericardial patch, and tricuspid valve repair. Six weeks of targeted antibiotics led to a favorable 1-year outcome.
Discussion:
This case, alongside other reports of late-onset IE after transcatheter ASD closure, highlights that although rare, such infections can occur well beyond 6 months postprocedure. This observation questions current guidelines restricting prophylactic measures to the early postimplant period.
Take-Home Message:
Patients with septal occluders may require prolonged vigilance and reinforced education on skin and dental hygiene to minimize the risk of late IE.
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