The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which an atrial septal aneurysm is formed in the presence of an atrial septal defect by characterizing the distinguishing echocardiographic features of atrial septal defects between patients with and without an atrial septal aneurysm. The transesophageal echocardiograms of 30 consecutive patients who underwent surgical closure of a secundum atrial septal defect were compared with those of 8 normal controls. In patients with secundum atrial septal defect, the maximal diameter (mean ± SD) of the fossa ovalis was 21.73 ± 3.43 compared to 11.43 ± 1.00 mm in the control group (p < 0.01). In the 7 (23%) patients with atrial septal aneurysm, the mean maximal diameter of the fossa ovalis was 25.28 ± 3.03 compared to 20.65 ± 2.78 mm in those without an atrial septal aneurysm (p < 0.01). The atrial septal defect was smaller in patients with than in those without an atrial septal aneurysm. In 4 patients with atrial septal aneurysm who had a history of a cerebrovascular event, the interatrial communication was only detected by contrast echocardiography. In conclusion, in patients with atrial septal aneurysm, atrial septal defects tend to be smaller but the incidence of cerebrovascular events is greater.

Keywords:
Atrial septal aneurysm, Transesophageal echocardiography, Atrial septal defect, Cerebrovascular events, Ostium secundum
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
1995
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.