Atrial septal defect-II in the middle and old age

ABSTRACT

Ostium secondum atrial septal defect is the commonest of interatrial defects. However, interestingly, this hemodynamic disturbance is compatible with survival beyond middle age and the prognosis is related to duration and magnitude of shunting, relative compliance of ventricles etc. ASD-II usually goes unrecognized because of minor symptoms and subtle signs mistaken for physiological variations. New diagnostic techniques have enabled physicians to diagnose and treat such cases promptly. Two case are reported here which were diagnosed as ASD-II in advanced ages