Severe pulmonary hypertension in ostium secundum atrial septal defect

Between 1969 and 1999, 149 patients underwent cardiac catheterization for ostium secundum atrial septal defect, in hemodynamics department. Age average was 21.5 +/- 16 years (2-67). Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure average was 35 +/- 15.6 mm Hg (15-140). The atrial septal defect was closed in 108 patients (by surgery in 107 cases, and by interventional catheterization in one case). Mean follow-up was 8 +/- 7 years (1-20). Overall mortality rate was 2.7%. Severe pulmonary hypertension (systolic pressure > or = to 50 mm Hg) was seen in 13.4% of cases. It was present at all ages, but more frequent above 20 years. Obstructive pulmonary vascular disease was noticed in 2% of patients. Clinical and haemodynamic data analysis showed that, severe pulmonary hypertension is a frequent, and unpredictible complication of secundum atrial septal defect; it might occur at any age and worsen considerably the cardiac disease prognosis. Because of atrial septal defect hemodynamic profile, and current rise of percutaneous closure technics, invasive investigation should be more and more routinely performed, in order to define the best therapeutic option. Early and systematic closure of secundum atrial septal defects, should prevent, or at least minimize pulmonary vascular lesions.