title: Incomplete aneurysm coverage after patent foramen ovale closure in patients with huge atrial septal aneurysm: effects on left atrial functional remodeling.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Large devices are often implanted to treat patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) with increase risk of erosion and thrombosis. Our study is aimed to assess the impact on left atrium functional remodeling and clinical outcomes of partial coverage of the approach using moderately small Amplatzer ASD Cribriform Occluder in patients with large PFO and ASA.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively enrolled 30 consecutive patients with previous stroke (mean age 36 +/- 9.5 years, 19 females), significant PFO, and large ASA referred to our center for catheter-based PFO closure. Left atrium (LA) passive and active emptying, LA conduit function, and LA ejection fraction were computed before and after 6 months from the procedure by echocardiography. The preclosure values were compared to values of a normal healthy population of sex and heart rate matched 30 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preclosure values demonstrated significantly greater reservoir function as well as passive and active emptying, with significantly reduced conduit function and LA ejection fraction, when compared normal healthy subjects. All patients underwent successful transcatheter closure (25 mm device in 15 patients, 30 mm device in 6 patients, mean ratio device/diameter of the interatrial septum = 0.74). Incomplete ASA coverage in both orthogonal views was observed in 21 patients. Compared to patients with complete coverage, there were no differences in LA functional parameters and occlusion rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirmed that large ASAs are associated with LA dysfunction. The use of relatively small Amplatzer ASD Cribriform Occluder devices is probably effective enough to promote functional remodeling of the left atrium.
authors: Section of Adult Congenital and Adult Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Endoluminal Interventions, Rovigo General Hospital, Rovigo, Italy. jackyheart@libero.it
authors: Gianluca
authors: G
authors: Rigatelli
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Ronco
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Cardaioli
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Dell'avvocata
authors: Gabriele
authors: G
authors: Braggion
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Giordan
authors: Silvio
authors: S
authors: Aggio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016279:Atrial Function, Left / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005260:Female; D054092:Foramen Ovale, Patent / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006322:Heart Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055989:Septal Occluder Device; D013318:Stroke Volume