[Defect in the interventricular septum in adults and the indications for its operative treatment]

The author had in his charge 76 patients over 16 years of age. In adults the congenital ventricular septal defect is of a relatively rare occurrence. The extent of the defect is largely determined by the evolution of the disease. In adult patients with minor defects there is no evidence of developing pulmonary hypertension, whereas in those with major defects in evidence is usually a well-marked hypertension. Surgery is indicated in patients with pulmonary hypertension of the I group exhibiting subjective symptoms and ECG and roentgenographic changes. Patients with pulmonary hypertension of the II-IIIa groups are also liable to undergo surgery, but here a relative contraindication is circulatory disturbance in the IIb stage.