Echocardiographic Evaluation of Changes in Cardiac Hemodynamics, Loading Conditions, and Atrial Function after Transcatheter Closure of Atrial Septal Defect

Abstract

Abstract Background The changes in loading conditions, atrial function, and the different echocardiographic parameters before and after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure are still under study. So we felt the need to evaluate the echocardiographic changes that occur and detect the timing after closure at which the right-sided heart hemodynamics, and measurements are back to normal. Objectives To evaluate the changes in cardiac hemodynamics, loading conditions, and atrial function after percutaneous closure of ASD using echocardiography. Patients and Methods The study included 30 patients referred to percutaneous closure of ASD in Ain Shams University hospital we performed echocardiography before, 1 week, and 3 months after closure. Results The study showed that RV dimensions and volumes decreased significantly 1 week, and 3 months after ASD closure (p < 0.001). RA dimensions and volumes decreased significantly 1 week, and 3 months after ASD closure (p < 0.001). RA peak systolic strain, and strain rate increased significantly 1 week, and 3 months after ASD closure (p < 0.001). LA dimensions and volumes increased significantly 1 week, and 3 months after ASD closure (P < 0.001). LA peak systolic strain showed no significant difference before, 1week, and 3 months after ASD closure (P = 0.063), and strain rate showed no significant difference before, 1week, and 3 months after ASD closure (P = 0.207). Conclusion In our study, we have concluded that RV dimensions and volumes decreased significantly 1 week, and 3 months after ASD closure. RA dimensions and volumes decreased significantly 1 week, and 3 months after ASD closure. RA peak systolic strain, and strain rate increased significantly 1 week, and 3 months after ASD closure, as a result of improvement of the RA wall velocity, due to relief of the volume overload after closure of the shunt. LA peak systolic strain, and strain rate showed no significant difference before, 1week, and 3 months after ASD closure. Abbreviations list ASD (atrial septal defect), RV (right ventricle), RA (right atrium), LA (left atrium).