SYM = SYMptomatic ASD = Dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, palpitations, evidence of atrial arrhythmias. ASYM = ASYMptomatic ASD SIG-SHUNT = Significant left to right shunt (usually caught on echo), Qp:Qs > 1.5. STR-CHANGE = Evidence of STRuctural CHANGEs in the heart such as elevated pulmonary pressure, right atrial or right ventricular enlargement or hypertrophy. PxE = History of a paradoxical embolic event. CLOSURE = CLOSURE of ASD. Can be performed percutaneously or surgically depending on size and location of ASD. FOLLOW = Clinical follow up and echocardiogram every 2 years or sooner if symptoms develop. END-STAGE = The clinical picture from an uncorrected significant ASD over time. May have severe irreversible pulmonary hypertension or Eisenmenger's physiology. Mortality is not improved with closure at this point. Prognosis is poor. MED-TX = Medical management. There is no medicine to correct the anatomical defect. Can give medicines to alleviate right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. |