Amplatzer device closure of a tortuous Gerbode (left ventricle-to-right atrium) defect complicated by transient hemolysis in an octogenarian.
An 86 year-old male presented with progressive shortness of breath and a murmur. Six years earlier, he had undergone mitral valve surgery. An echocardiogram revealed a significant left ventricular-to-right atrial connection (Gerbode defect). The defect was closed percutaneously using an Amplatzer Septal Occluder device. After the procedure, the patient developed transient hemolysis and renal dysfunction. A year later, there was no residual flow on echocardiography and the patient reported marked improvement in exercise tolerance.
Rothman
Abraham
A
Department of Pediatrics, University of Nevada School of Medicine and Childrens Heart Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. rothman@childrensheartcenter.com
Galindo
Alvaro
A
Channick
Richard
R
Blanchard
Daniel
D