Cardiac CT Appearances
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) CT Findings
- Enlarged right atrium and right ventricle
- Enlarged pulmonary arteries
- Often with PAPVR (right upper pulmonary vein into SVC)
Other Information About Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Etiology:
- ASD is a congenital defect
Epidemiology:
- ASD is more common amongst babies whose mothers used alcohol, tobacco, or cocaine during pregnancy
- Certain drug use and rubella during pregnancy also increases risk of ASD
Presentation:
- Some patients may not have symptoms or may not experience them until well into adulthood
- Shortness of breath or tiredness with physical activity
- Arrhythmia
- Palpitations
- Swelling of limbs
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Cardiac failure
Prognosis:
- Usually no intervention is needed and patients live normal lives
- Patients with large or symptomatic ASDs will need surgical intervention to increase lifespan