[Late results and rehabilitation of patients with secondary interatrial septal defects]

The remote results were studied in 194 patients operated on for secondary atrial septal defects at ages of 18 months to 41 years. The follow-up period ranged from 5 months to 11 years. The ECG was normal in 74.7% of patients, its improvement was noted in 8.7% of patients. Disorders of rhythm were encountered in 10.3% of patients, their incidence being 2 1/2 times higher among adults than among children. The systolic murmur disappeared in 29.8% and diminished in 50.8% of patients. The diastolic murmur was corrected in 92.2% of cases. Splitting of the second sound disappeared in 66% and diminished in 6% of patients. The size of the heart on a radiogram became normal in 32.2% and its enlargement became less in 41% of the patients examined. The heart grows smaller within 2--3 years and the pulmonary pattern becomes normal in 1--2 years. The process is more rapid in children. The postoperative result was good in 90% of patients.