Cardiology · Pathway 52
Atrial Septal Defects
Key points
- ASDs are the most likely congenital heart defect found in adulthood; 50% mortality by age 50.
- Features: ejection systolic murmur + fixed split S2; paradoxical embolism may cause stroke.
- Ostium secundum (70%): associated with Holt-Oram syndrome (triphalangeal thumbs); ECG RBBB + right axis deviation.
- Ostium primum: presents earlier; abnormal AV valves; ECG RBBB + left axis deviation + prolonged PR interval.
Decision points in this pathway
- Which type?
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