A retrospective study of atrial septal defect

Background: An Atrial Septal defect is an abnormal hole of variable size in the atrial septum, which generally permits left to right shunting of blood at the atrial level. ASD is one of the most common congenital cardiac anomalies, present in 10-15 percent of patients with congenital heart disease. Aim: To study the clinical profile, diagnostic modalities used, post operative morbidity and mortality of patients operated for atrial septal defect in a major teaching hospital in Telangana. Materials and Methods: This study was based on a patient population of 50, admitted to undergo surgical correction for atrial septal defect. Results: The incidence of ASD is more in females. The male to female ratio was 1:2.1 in this study. The majority of the patients were symptomatic (96%). The commonest symptom was dyspnoea on exertion (76%). Most of the patients were in NYHA class II (62%). Consanguineous marriage of parents was present in 28% of patients. Most of the patients were in sinus rhythm (94%). ASD were of fossa ovalis type (96%). In 74% of the patients, the size of ASD was between 2-4 cm in diameter. 78% of the patients were repaired by direct closure of ASD. Most of the patients (96%) were supported by ventilation, out of which 62% (31/50) of patients were ventilated for 1-6 hours. Patients (70%) were discharged by 9th –12th post operative day. Mortality was 2% in this study. Conclusion: Surgical repair of atrial septal defects is a safe procedure which is associated with excellent results and low morbidity.