Challenges in the Patient With Pulmonary Hypertension and Atrial Septal Defect: Understanding When and How to Close the Defect

Abstract

Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are common congenital heart defects in children and adults. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is found in subsets of both pediatric and adult patients with atrial defects under varied clinical contexts. The pulmonary hypertension specialist is often faced with questions surrounding timing and method of defect closure, which may have significant impact on procedural and long-term morbidity and survival. This review highlights important differences in management between children and adults with ASDs associated with PAH, highlighting indications for closure, operability, types of closure, and long-term outcomes.