Three-year follow-up of an atrial septal aneurysm

Abstract

This is a 3-year follow-up of a gradually ballooning atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) which developed a spontaneous echo contrast and later a mobile thrombus in the aneurysm. This clearly demonstrates one of the pathogenetic mechanisms of systemic thromboembolism associated with ASA. In view of the risk of systemic thromboembolism or the need for lifelong anticoagulation treatment, the aneurysm was excised and an atrial septal patch was fashioned to close the resultant defect.