Percutaneous closure of a large atrial septal defect in a child with severe dextroscoliosis: A case report.

ABSTRACT

In this study, we present the case of an 11-year-old child with cachexia, severe dextroscoliosis, pectus carinatum, secondary restrictive pulmonary disease, and an incidental finding of a large ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) that was identified on preoperative assessment for surgical correction of the spinal deformity. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed significant left-to-right shunting with a pulmonary blood flow to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs) of 3.18 through a 14 mm defect with good circumferential rims, larger than 5 mm. Despite significant left-to-right shunting, the defect was found prior to the development of pulmonary hypertension or right heart enlargement. The decision to close the atrial septal defect by percutaneous intervention was preferred over surgical closure, due to the restrictive pulmonary physiology and low body mass index (12.6 kg/m2). Percutaneous closure of the ASD was successfully performed under general anesthesia using an Occlutech Figulla Flex II ASD device, with no residual shunt. Surgical correction of the dextroscoliosis was subsequently performed with good results. A comprehensive clinical and echocardiographic evaluation is needed in patients with skeletal abnormalities in order to rule out associated congenital heart defects, which may impose therapeutic challenges.