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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Atrial Septal Defect
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Atrial Septal Defect
by TrishK, Oct 25, 2002 12:00AM
My son, now 4yrs, had a 2D echo done last Nov. 2001. At the time we got the results he was in the hospital for respritory problems. He is a former preemie, born @ 23wks & did have a PDA ligation (w/ left vocal cord paralisis)and still has quite a bit of BPD. Anyway we were told at the time by our family physician that he had a small ASD which possed no problem but it was recommended that we follow-up in 8-12mths. Given his problems I finally found a Pediatrician to handle his care. I went to the hospital and retrieved a copy of the echo & report which stated basically that there was some mild-moderate regurgitation (PV .6-.9m/sec), Mild left atrial enlargement & small asd/PFO with L-R shunting. Although there were no measurements on the actual size of the asd/pfo. We never saw a cardiologist and although we are doing a follow-up echo at my request we still are not seeing a cardiologist. So my questions are:
1. Could his PDA have influenced the PFO/ASD
2. Although I gather from what I have read, many people
live with no problems, is there a possibility of him having
complications later into his teens on.
3. What would cause his left atrium to become enlarged vs his
right?
4. How badly could this effect his already comprimised lungs?
5. What type of follow-up would normally be recommened.
Thank you so much for any information you can provide. Also, should I take the video for any comparison?
1. Could his PDA have influenced the PFO/ASD
2. Although I gather from what I have read, many people
live with no problems, is there a possibility of him having
complications later into his teens on.
3. What would cause his left atrium to become enlarged vs his
right?
4. How badly could this effect his already comprimised lungs?
5. What type of follow-up would normally be recommened.
Thank you so much for any information you can provide. Also, should I take the video for any comparison?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-RCJ, Oct 25, 2002 12:00AM
TrishK,
Thanks for your questions. I am not a pediatric cardiologist, so my information comes from what I have read today only.
I am not aware of an association between the two anomalies, but this question would best be posed to a pediatric cardiologist.
There are potential complications associated with ASD, mostly depending on the size of the ASD. In large ASDs in otherwise healthy kids, surgery is often recommended to correct the ASD.
I suspect that the left atrium has been enlarged due to the BPD -- the high pulmonary pressures leading to undetected R to L shunting.
The effect of the ASD on the lungs will be difficult for anyone to determine.
I would see a pediatric cardiologist once, and let that person determine follow-up after the evaluation.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for your questions. I am not a pediatric cardiologist, so my information comes from what I have read today only.
I am not aware of an association between the two anomalies, but this question would best be posed to a pediatric cardiologist.
There are potential complications associated with ASD, mostly depending on the size of the ASD. In large ASDs in otherwise healthy kids, surgery is often recommended to correct the ASD.
I suspect that the left atrium has been enlarged due to the BPD -- the high pulmonary pressures leading to undetected R to L shunting.
The effect of the ASD on the lungs will be difficult for anyone to determine.
I would see a pediatric cardiologist once, and let that person determine follow-up after the evaluation.
Hope that helps.
JCI, BS RRT
I guess at this point we have another echo scheduled for Tues. the 29th at the childrens hospital. A friend of mine managed an echo department, and actually did Peds clinic with the Ped. Cardiologist that she told me to request read the echo. Would it be to bold of me to ask the tech to have him call us directly to explain the results withougt compromisig our relationship with the Pediatrician? (Since we cannot get a referal). I am sure we would both have felt better if we could have discussed this hole thing with one to begin with. Thank you again for your input.